The first school to feel it is not the poorest.
It is the most obedient.
⸻
Northfield Academy sits at the edge of a wide valley, stone walls pale in the morning light, banners neatly hung, ledgers always balanced. Its children wear clean coats. Its teachers file reports on time. Its administrators signed early, believing efficiency was another word for care.
That is why the Ledger Courts choose it.
Jason sees the notice before the parents do.
He stands in the map room, eyes fixed on a thin strip of text that looks harmless enough to anyone who has never gone hungry as a child.
EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT REALLOCATION
NUTRITION PROGRAMS TEMPORARILY ADJUSTED DUE TO ROUTE OPTIMIZATION
Jason’s hands begin to shake.
“They cut lunch,” he says quietly.
Zane looks up from where he’s tying a boo
