But I will say this.
Taking a phone is easy.
Teaching wisdom is harder.
And children who are only controlled may obey when watched.
Children who are taught may think when alone.
That is what we actually need.
Not perfect kids.
Thinking kids.
Aware kids.
Kids who understand that the internet is not a diary.
It is a window.
And sometimes, strangers look in.
As for Silas, he became something of a local legend, though he hated every second of it.
People brought him muffins.
Gift cards.
Homemade soup.
He accepted almost none of it.
Junie accepted some on his behalf.
Especially cookies.
One afternoon, I saw him helping Mrs. Bell carry a broken planter to the curb.
I nearly laughed out loud.
She looked embarrassed.
He looked normal.
That was the healing right there.
Not everyone becoming best friends.
Not a movie ending.
Just two people sharing a sidewalk after one had hurt the other and both had decided not to stay trapped in the worst moment.
