The invitation sat on the counter for most of the morning.
It wasn’t dramatic—just a thin sheet of paper with careful wording and polite enthusiasm—but Ethan felt its presence like a quiet pressure. It was from the district coordinator, thanking Noah again for his performance and inviting him to join a small enrichment group. Advanced projects. Extra attention. Special opportunities.
The kind of thing parents were supposed to celebrate immediately.
Noah noticed it too.
He stood beside the counter, hands folded behind his back, reading the same line over and over as if the words might change if he waited long enough.
“They only picked five people,” Noah said finally.
“Yes,” Ethan replied carefully.
“Why me?” Noah asked.
Ethan paused. “Because you worked hard. Because you showed grow
