12/05/2026 11:30

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Sometimes, after dinner, we would listen to music on the living-room couch-or else Hester would sing something to Owen and me. I remember a few of her favorites; when I hear them, I'm still tempted to sing along- although I don't have my mother's voice. I prefer the way the Rev. Hoyt asked me.

Merrill told Owen. IN THE PAST, IN FACULTY MEETING, THESE WERE THE PEOPLE WHO SPOKE UP IN A BOY'S DEFENSE-OR THEY WERE THE PEOPLE WHO KNEW BEST THAT THE BOY DID NOT DESERVE DEFENDING. I'M QUITE FAR ABOVE THEM, BUT THEY NEVER LOOK UP; THEY KEEP LOOKING DOWN AT WHAT USED TO BE ME. DON'T GIVE IT ANOTHER THOUGHT, he said: WE'RE PALS, AREN'T WE? WHAT ARE FRIENDS FOR? I'LL NEVER LEAVE YOU.