Arthur set the packet on the desk, and it slid the last inch on its own.

The cover sheet carried a blue shield with a white tower inside it, and under the tower a sponsor line in gold that Claire read twice before she heard anything Arthur said.

“State University Conference Center,” Arthur said.

“November twelfth through the fourteenth.

First time in eleven years a public school from this district has made the field.”

Owen turned his packet over and left it face down.

Eli already had his open, one finger running down the schedule.

“Six rounds before the finals,” Eli said.

“District four is the whole southern half of the state.”

“That it is.” Arthur polished his wire rims on his sleeve and set them back on his nose.

Claire took the faded manila folder out of her tote.

The corners had gone soft as cloth.

Two birth certificates and a copy of her lease, and she had never needed anything else for the boys.

“Copies of these for the registration file.” Arthur flipped it open with his thumb.

“The state is particular about ages this year.”

“Everything they asked for is in there.”

Owen said, “Do we get our own room?”

“You get your own bed,” Claire said.