Michael Walked Out of His Office the Day Four-Year-Old Noah Called About a Broken Arm

“My focus is right here on this budget, nowhere else,” Michael said.

Carla pushed open the heavy wooden door and stepped into the bright copy room.

“Make sure it stays that way,” Carla said.

The heavy door clicked shut.

Michael stood by himself in the quiet hall, looking at his name on his employee badge.

At six that evening the Oakridge Public Library parking lot was nearly deserted.

Tall streetlamps buzzed in the cold air.

Michael parked beside Lena’s car and stepped out onto the damp asphalt.