Chapter 42THE RUMOR OF his TV appearance had spread during his absence. His first class foreshadowed the rest of the day. He denied his role and directed the conversation to review for final exams. At the end of the period, he assigned homework for Monday.
“But Mr. R,” said A.J. “Monday's a holiday.” Fritz returned him a blank stare. “It's Memorial Day.”
“Thanks, A.J. I'd completely forgotten. Memorial Day already. Tuesday, then.”
When the bell rang, and the class departed, his door opened. Without looking up, he said “Hi Ash.” Then he looked up … at George.
“Are you okay, Fritz? Ashley isn't here today.”
“I know that.”
“You just said 'Hi Ash'.”
“I did? Sorry. Habit.”
“Fritz, do you want me to cancel the play? It's next week.”
“George, I'm not quite with it yet. Let me talk to the
