Something in that steadiness took the energy out of the moment. Not all of it—one of the boys still snorted and looked away—but the exchange no longer felt like open prey meeting open cruelty.

A girl nearby, who had been listening without appearing to, said, “My cousin doesn’t celebrate birthdays either.”

The taller boy shrugged, suddenly less certain of his audience, and kicked the ball away.

Nathan did not feel victorious.

He felt relieved.

And a little taller inside.