He apologized for asking the boys to help move materials there, though Toby quickly interrupted to say they had volunteered.

“I’m the adult,” Walter replied.

“That matters.”

I was grateful he said it.

Good intentions had not made the site safe.

Hearing an adult take responsibility was a relief after two days of wondering whether the boys would ever understand the difference.

Then the bicycle shop owner offered unused floor space behind his storefront on Sunday afternoons.

A local church volunteered to store donations in a lockable garage, provided its insurance rules were followed.