“I saw it.”
Then his voice got smaller.
“Some kids were laughing at her.”
My stomach tightened.
“What did Sophie do?”
“Pretended she didn’t care.”
He stared at the floor.
“But she did.”
Then:
“Her parents can’t afford a new chair right now.”
I sat on the edge of his bed.
“And you thought the answer was selling your guitar?”
He nodded.
HE HAD ALREADY DONE EVERYTHING
“How did you even sell it?”
“I listed it online.”
My eyes widened.
“You are thirteen.”
“I know.”
“Ethan.”
“I was careful.”
“That sentence does not make this better.”
He looked nervous.
“Mr. Keller from church bought it.”
That stopped me.
“At least it was someone we know.”
“He asked me four times if I was sure.”
