He told me that two weekends earlier, Walter had quietly admitted he was being considered for a place in transitional housing, but the paperwork required documentation he had misplaced.

Gavin had offered to help find replacement records online.

He had taken forms home and spent hours researching phone numbers and eligibility requirements.

“I told Toby I was just sorting bike parts,” Gavin said.

“Because it was personal information.

I didn’t think I should tell him without Mr.

Bell’s permission.”

That was a surprising act of restraint from a boy who had been reckless in so many other ways.