Chapter 102: So much work
’Alright.’
The word was quiet. It was so small and simple that for a moment, neither of the adults in the room seemed to process it.
Ms. Albright’s professional smile faltered. She blinked, her head tilting just a fraction. ’Did he just... agree?’
Principal Joseph, who had been leaning forward with the grim weight of his argument, just stared. He had expected a debate. He had prepared for a panicked refusal, for a long, difficult conversation. He was not prepared for a single, calm word of acceptance.
Kofi looked from one adult to the other. Their shock was almost comical.
’They look like I just solved a math problem they’ve been stuck on all week. But this isn’t math. It’s a person’s life. My life. Her life.’
His own calmness was a surprise even to him. A few weeks ago, a request to answer a question in class was enough to send him into a low-grade panic. Now, he was agreeing to take on the legal-ish guardianship of a traumatized girl, and his heart was beating at a relatively normal pace.
’This is what it feels like, I guess. When the choice is so obvious there’s nothing to panic about. The other options are just... not options.’
"Kofi," Ms. Albright finally found her voice. "Are you sure you understand what you’re agreeing to?"
"I think so," he said, his voice even. "It’s a way to keep her safe. It gives us a story that makes sense. A brother taking care of his sister. It’s better than the other stories people will make up."
He looked directly at the principal. "And it’s better than leaving her with no one."
The principal just nodded slowly, a profound, weary respect in his eyes. He had underestimated this boy. They all had.