Chapter 25

“Yeah, yeah, alright, kid,” Dad said, patting his shoulder awkwardly before prying him loose. “I’ll be wanting a word with your teachers Monday morning, see how on track you are for this. Your brother know?”

“Um.”

“Oh Christ, he does.”

“I only told him recently.”

“Yeah, he mentioned you had some crazy idea and were acting all adult, but wouldn’t explain. Fucking kids,” Dad said, dropping the curse as casually as a name. “Two of you gang up on your old man, I swear to God. Alright. I’m going to give the school a call and book an appointment to see your head of year on Monday, get up to speed on what’s going on with you and what your chances are like, and then I guess I better look into how I’m supposed to fund you through medical school.”

Shane opened his mouth.

“Not now, kid,” Dad grunted. He eyed Shane suspiciously, then slowly said: “Anything else you want to tell me, while we’re at it?”

The free-floating relief popped like a burst bubble.