For several seconds, nobody spoke.
“Two people say goodnight faster than one.”
Then he asked, “Why didn’t you tell me, buddy?”
Toby frowned.
“Because you always say you’re going for us.”
Julian went completely still.
“That was what people told me about my dad,” he admitted. “Whenever he missed something, they said he worked hard so I could have nice things.”
“Why didn’t you tell me, buddy?”
He rubbed his forehead.
“I thought I was reassuring you. I never wondered what you heard.”
“Don’t be sad, Dad,” Toby added. “If I make you feel bad about going, that’s mean.”
Julian rubbed both hands over his face.
When he looked back, his eyes were wet.
“I never wondered what you heard.”
“I do travel because my job helps our family.”
Toby nodded immediately.
Julian continued, “But you don’t have to like every part of what helps our family.”
“Even if it pays for soccer?”
