Excess went through a cancer-family assistance nonprofit once their immediate needs were covered.
Ethan cared less about the number by then.
That was progress.
The final big surprise of that year came from Lily.
At the end-of-year school assembly, students were being recognized
for ordinary things.
Attendance.
Academic improvement.
Community service.
Mr. Harrison had asked Ethan beforehand whether he wanted public recognition.
Ethan said no.
Good.
But Lily walked onstage during an open student segment.
Ethan stared at her.
She stood at the microphone wearing her own short hair.
No wig.
No hat.
She said:
“People keep telling Ethan he’s amazing because he gave me his hair.”
Ethan slowly sank lower in his seat.
Laughter.
Lily continued:
“He is annoying.”
More laughter.
“And he did something kind.”
Then her expression changed.
“But I
want everyone to know something.”
The auditorium quieted.
“When somebody is sick, you don’t have to become a hero.”
