“You paid that out of your own pocket,” she said.

“The district said academic competitions weren’t a priority this year,” Arthur said.

“They cut the funding in September.”

“Where did you get four hundred extra dollars on a Tuesday?” Claire asked.

Arthur adjusted his wire frames.

He looked away toward the window over the parking lot.

“I found a way to get the money,” Arthur said.

“We’re here now, and that’s what matters.”