"Maybe closure is moving on without ever seeing anyone who would remind them of what happened," Doc suggests. He knows Malcolm means well. But he can't see a good ending for pursuing this line of inquiry, made all the more difficult by his father's reluctance to come clean about the incident.

At the explanation about affirmations, Doc gives Malcolm a blank look for a long time. There is a delayed nod and just the smallest twitches of a smile.

"I see." No, he really doesn't see. But if it works for Malcolm, he's not going to be disparaging or rude about it. "I think I will stick to my 'shine." That's worked fine for him. He's pretty sure it would continue to work better than a card telling him off about his negativity.