Tough, persistent, not afraid of anything. These are the words I would use to describe my dad. That’s why I was so surprised to see him standing in my room so upset, stammering to get the words out. He had just received news that a neighbor, two houses down...

The sound of local traffic could be heard nearby. Tires on concrete, exhaust from small European cars accelerating, they were all reassuring sounds that reminded me I could leave at any time. It was a visit just a visit, so why then was I so upset. Why was I...