The grant had helped secure a longer lease and hire a coordinator named Anika, who immediately reorganized the transportation schedule.

A small reserve was still being built.

We had not solved every problem, and Mrs.

Alvarez reminded me of that whenever I started speaking too optimistically.

“Stable doesn’t mean finished,” she said.

“It means we can plan beyond Friday.”

Paige arrived with Thomas and a carton of cupcakes.

In her coat pocket was an acceptance letter for her new position.