Thirteen Years Later, Two Blue Competition Badges Answered Every Question

She counted thirty-two dollars even onto the table and set the envelope on top of it.

“You didn’t have to do that,” the waitress said.

“I did.”

Eli read his medal to her while she filled the water glasses.

“State Academic Championship, Individual, and then the date.”

“Then you earned it.

You want a box for it?”

“It isn’t for food.”