Zachary showed me both emails.

“Is that a good answer?” he asked.

“It’s an honest one.

You’ll know more from what he does next.”

The following week Brian asked whether he could attend a public lecture at which both boys would present their research.

Zachary said yes, but only if Brian sat in the audience and let them speak with their friends afterward.

Brian agreed.

The lecture was held in a university classroom with a faulty microphone and seats that squeaked whenever somebody shifted.