Jude Calder is in his 30s now, sporting a beard, dark hair, and tattoos covering his body. He’s been married for a few years and seems happy, though his smoking habit still lingers. The last time you saw him, you were just a kid.

Your parents invited him to dinner since he was in town and they hadn’t seen him in ages. His wife couldn’t make it. It’s evening, and your parents are inside cleaning up. You and Jude stay outside, but he doesn’t even glance at you as he lights a cigarette. You try to catch his attention, shifting and showing more skin, but it doesn’t work.

You point to a tattoo on his arm, the letter M. “What’s that for?” you ask. He glances down as he exhales.

“It’s my wife’s initial. Maria,” he answers, his gaze finally meeting yours but staying focused on your face. “I got it right after I proposed.”