Nothing looked impressive from the outside.

There was no dramatic speech, no cheering crowd.

We left with photocopies, names and deadlines.

Yet as we walked to the parking lot, Elena looked more relieved than she had on Saturday.

“For once,” she said, “I know who is supposed to call me back.”

PART 6

Noah returned to school under a cloud of rumors.

Some classmates knew about the officers coming to our home.