For 25 Christmases, The Same Silent Stranger Appeared Outside Our House At Exactly The Same Time. He Never Spoke, Never Left A Note, And Every Year My Parents Called The Police In Panic. When I Turned 15, I Finally Stepped Outside And Asked, “Why Do You Keep Coming Back?” He Looked Straight At Me… And Burst Into Tears.

see my face, even if I could not see his.

In the kitchen drawer, I found notebooks. Dozens of them, filled with handwritten observations.

March 15, 2002. Ryan’s thirteenth birthday. Saw him through the window blowing out candles on a cake. He looked happy. Patricia hugged him. Richard patted his shoulder. I wish I could have been there. I wish I could continue reading …