After Eli became tired and closed his eyes, I followed Wade into the hallway.
"Are you all right?"
He stopped.
"Sure."
I studied him.
"You don't look sure."
The biker gave a small smile.
"Didn't sleep much."
"Anything I can do?"
He shook his head.
"No, ma'am."
There was a pause.
Then he looked toward Eli's room.
"He's a good boy."
I nodded.
"The best."
Wade swallowed.
"Don't forget to take care of yourself too."
I smiled sadly.
"I try."
He looked down.
"Good."
Then he walked toward the elevator.
I watched him go.
Something about the way he left troubled me.
But I had no idea that the next time I asked him a question, he would stop coming altogether.
The anniversary arrived on a Thursday.
I had marked it on my calendar without telling Wade.
One full year.
A year of toy cars.
A year of ten o'clock visits.
A year of ridiculous stories, quiet companionship, and moments of happiness that had helped Eli through some of the hardest days of his life.
I wanted to thank him properly.
Not with another hurried sentence in the hallway.
Not with a cup of coffee or a small gift.
I wanted him to understand what he had given my son.
The night before, Eli and I made a card.
I helped him write the words because his hands became tired.
The front showed a blue race car crossing a finish line.
Inside, Eli dictated the message.
Dear Wade,
You are my favorite racing partner.
Thank you for coming every day.
Love, Eli.
I read it aloud.
My son smiled.
"Put a trophy."
So I drew a tiny trophy beside his name.
Then he made me add three stars.
Apparently, one trophy wasn't sufficient.
The next morning, Eli woke excited.
"Is today the card day?"
I smiled.
"Yes."
He looked toward the doorway.
"Good."
At ten o'clock, Wade arrived carrying his usual bag of toy cars.
He seemed slightly better than he had earlier in the week, but his expression remained tired.
Eli immediately held out the card.
"For you!"
Wade stopped.
He took the folded paper.
"What's this?"
"Open it."
The biker unfolded it carefully.
He looked at the drawing.
Then he read the words.
I watched his face.
At first, he smiled.
Then his jaw tightened.
He stared at the card for a long time.
Finally, he looked at Eli.
"You made this?"
My son nodded.
"Mommy helped."
Wade swallowed.
"Well, I think it's just about the best card I've ever gotten."
Eli grinned.
"Better than a trophy?"
The biker laughed softly.