“You’re not a monster, Sydney.”

            The memories flashed through Jarod’s mind. The time Sydney comforted him. The time he taught him to tie a tie. The way he touched him kindly when telling him about the concentration camp. The way he spoke to him, which was so much different than Mr. Raines’ way of speaking. Sydney had pushed him…Sydney had tried to be impersonal, but his human warmth had always shone through. It was what had always given Jarod the courage to keep trying, to push back, to offer. To be the family they both needed.