I remembered that afternoon.

The test results hadn’t been encouraging.

The doctors were discussing additional treatment options, and Daniel and I were struggling to remain optimistic.

Theo looked down at his hands.

“That day, Jack asked whether I’d speak at his funeral.”

I stopped breathing for a moment.

Daniel slowly sat back down.

Theo gave a shaky laugh.

“I told him to stop talking like that. I was angry that he was even thinking about it.”

His eyes filled with tears.

“Then I said, ‘Sure, Jack. I’ll give a speech at your funeral if you promise to show up at mine wearing a dress.’”

A few people smiled.

But I already sensed where the story was going.

Theo looked toward the coffin.

“Jack laughed and said, ‘Deal. But that means you have to wear one to mine.’”

He glanced down at the red fabric.

“I told him there was absolutely no chance.”

His lips trembled.