The next lesson for him, and for all of us, was understanding that truly seeing somebody meant allowing them to decide what help looked like.

PART 9

In late November, the school counselor called to discuss a meeting between families.

Brandon’s parents had asked whether their son might apologize.

Elena said Autumn would consider a written apology but did not want an in-person meeting yet.

Noah was not invited to decide on her behalf, and he seemed relieved when I explained that.

“I don’t know what I’d say to him,” he admitted.

“You don’t have to say anything.”