Caleb nods, managing a wan smile. "Yeah, okay," he says. He grabs Michael's hand, using the leverage provided to stand, then uses his sleeve to wipe his face.

It feels... better. He still feels too big for his skin, but Michael isn't upset anymore, and neither is he, and it's just... easier, this way.

Once he's off the tire, he tilts it back up on the tread to park it next to the car, then turns to let Michael show him the rim selection.