Silence.
Then, from somewhere near the back, one sharp clap.
Then another.
Then enough that Walter hated it and was grateful all at once.
He sat down before anyone could thank him.
After the meeting, Eli caught up with him by the truck.
“You sounded like you were mad at the whole century,” the boy said.
Walter opened the door.
“I am.”
Eli grinned.
“Good. Because you won.”
Walter looked over.
“What do you mean, won?”
“The board voted to keep the program through next year.”
Walter stared.
Eli nodded hard.
“Ms. Bell just heard.”
For a second Walter felt nearly lightheaded.
Not from age.
From relief arriving too quickly.
He grabbed the truck door and steadied himself.
Eli’s smile faded a little.
“You all right?”
Walter nodded.
Then he said, “Don’t make a fuss.”
Eli lifted both hands.
“Wouldn’t dream of it.”
The program lived.
That should have settled something.
Instead it sharpened the next decision.
Because now there was a future asking for room to happen.
And Red Briar’s deadline was six days away.
Three days before the deadline, Eli did not show up after school.
Then June didn’t either.
Then Laney called Ms. Bell crying because Eli had told her he might not be back next semester.
Walter heard it that Saturday when the students arrived without him.
Ms. Bell did not mean to say it in front of Walter.
But bad news leaks.
Especially around people who know how to hear strain in a voice.
“What do you mean, not back?” Walter asked.
Ms. Bell sighed.
“His mother picked up fewer hours. Bills stacked. He thinks he needs to work full time.”
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