The note came home folded too neatly.
Noah placed it on the kitchen table with unusual care, smoothing the edges as though that might soften what it contained. Ethan noticed immediately—the way Noah hovered instead of running off, the way his hands didn’t quite know where to rest.
“What’s that, buddy?” Ethan asked.
Noah shrugged, eyes fixed on the paper. “From school.”
She came closer, drying her hands on a towel. “Do you want us to read it with you?”
Noah nodded.
Ethan unfolded the paper.
Dear Mr. —,
We are writing to inform you of a change to Noah’s participation in peer-support activities. While we appreciate his enthusiasm, we believe the current arrangement may be creating dependency among other students. Going forward, Noah will no longer be permitted to assist during reading
