Zachary wanted to examine the scoring rubric to make sure students understood the feedback.

Brian did not attend.

He was away for work and had told the boys weeks in advance that he couldn’t make it.

He sent a brief message wishing the participants well, then left the event to them.

It surprised me how relieved I felt.

He had finally learned to be absent honestly rather than promise to be there and disappear.

Julian volunteered at the same event.