This time, he asked first.
Maya joined the committee.
So did Caleb.
Their first meeting was chaotic.
Julian suggested fundraising concerts.
Maya suggested equipment repair workshops.
Caleb suggested building a robot that could carry backpacks.
“That’s not our biggest accessibility problem,” Maya told him.
“But it would be extremely cool.”
“I didn’t say it wouldn’t.”
Dr. Mercer offered school space.
He did not try to lead.
That seemed intentional.
He had begun the difficult work of earning trust rather than assuming his position entitled him to it.
At one meeting, he approached Julian afterward.
“I owe you an apology.”
Julian looked uncomfortable.
“For what?”
“For not helping your father when I should have.”
“You already said that.”
“I know.”
“Then why say it again?”
Mercer considered.
“Because sometimes adults apologize once because they want forgiveness. I’m trying to apologize because you deserved the truth.”
Julian studied him.
