Eli said, “You still could have knocked.”
Mr. Collins nodded. “You’re right. I should have.”
Box #3 smelled sweet, like sugar. Inside was a gift card from the ice cream shop by the library.
“For the boy who remembered kindness. One sundae a month. Sprinkles included.”
Eli blinked. “Do you think they mean any sundae?”
“Eli.”
“I’m asking…”
Against my will, I laughed.
Box #4 contained a voucher for a shoe store.
“For the kid who walked home soaked so someone else didn’t have to. Pick out waterproof sneakers.”
“The red ones with lightning?” Eli asked.
“You already know?”
“I’ve known for months.”
I looked over at Mr. Collins. “You know a lot about my son?”
“I know he thanks me every afternoon,” he said. “I know he lets the little kids get off first. Last winter, when another boy forgot gloves, Eli gave him one of his.”
