sloane

The adult world that runs our school considers this a teachable moment (a new phrase for our era) where children will learn to process loss and grief and loneliness by sitting in the football bleachers and being presented with the truth of mortality. There's nothing to be taught. Only something to be felt.

I found Bill in the sky. In the stars. Like on your ceiling.

I__ sorry,_ he tells me.I sit down on the bed. He returns to the view of the street below. I follow his gaze and I see the infected walking slowly back and forth.__t__ okay,_ I say.__kay,_ he says. He nods. __ood.__e puts the gun under his chin and pulls the trigger.