I pointed to the letters.

“Begin by answering their questions without blaming anybody else.”

For the first time, he didn’t argue.

It was not forgiveness.

It was a beginning measured in a few quiet minutes rather than grand declarations.

<strong>PART 7</strong>

The following Thursday, Julian appeared at the library after school.

I was sorting returned books behind the circulation desk when a tall boy in a navy jacket approached cautiously.