That was how their relationship began—not with a declaration but with a boundary followed by someone keeping it.

<strong>PART 20</strong>

A year after the first confrontation, the boys returned to the same statewide competition as senior mentors rather than competitors.

They helped younger students test projects and navigate the crowded registration tables.

The auditorium smelled of coffee and new poster board, just as it had before.

I worried that the familiar place might bring back painful memories.

Nathan assured me he was more concerned about a younger team’s unreliable power supply.