He looked away.
“Come for Junie.”
At that, his eyes came back to mine.
“Because she asked me if I could tell people her uncle is nice,” I said. “And I can. But maybe she deserves to see the town hear it from you.”
He stood there a long time.
Then he said, “I’ll think on it.”
That was Silas for yes, maybe, absolutely not, and I’m terrified.
Wednesday night, the community room at the library was packed.
Every metal chair was full.
People lined the walls.
Parents came with crossed arms.
Teachers came with tired faces.
Teenagers came because their parents made them.
Mrs. Bell sat in the second row, wearing pearls and the expression of someone hoping not to be mentioned.
Officer Tatum stood near the front.
Mr. Harlan was there.
Ms. Polk from sanitation.
Aaron and Kinsley sat together near the aisle.
Kinsley’s hood was up.
