The old man settled into the wooden chair beside Danny’s bed with a grunt and a sigh. “So, Dan, do you want to hear a story?” There was a conspiratorial glint in the old man’s eyes as he leaned in close, chin on knuckles, elbows on knees.

Danny, Spider-man comforter pulled to his chin, Spider-man pajamas underneath like a suit of armor, looked back at the old man, happier than he’d been in a month. “Sure, Grandpa. What’s it about?”

“Spoilers.” The old man spoke seriously.

Danny scoo...