Later the school hosted a student presentation where both boys explained their winning work.

Nathan described the mistakes in his early sensor design; Zachary showed how a neat-looking mathematical shortcut had failed and why he had started over.

They were funny and generous about their classmates’ ideas.

I stood at the back beside Elise.

When the applause came, I noticed Brian near the doorway.

He had not entered the room.

He had been invited by Nathan to watch from the public hallway, and he had stayed there.

Zachary saw him on the way out.