Shelly met them at the front door and insisted on giving a guided tour. They walked through the halls and into the gymnasium. She showed them the track and other athletic fields. Sports seemed to be a big deal, though the recent closing of the steel plant had caused a diaspora.

That’s it, Barbara thought. Enrollment is down and the school is desperate to get new students.

Shelly took them to a beautiful library, a media center, the cafeteria, and an auditorium that looked amazing. Barbara wanted the tour to stop, but she followed the woman through the halls. After a half hour, Shelly led them to her office. The room was furnished nicely but wasn’t over-the-top.

“So what did you think, Hannah?” Shelly said, smiling and folding her hands on her desk.

Hannah glanced at Barbara, then back at the woman. “It’s nice.”

“How would you like to go to school here?”

Barbara leaned forward. “Ma’am, I told you there is no way I can afford—”

Shelly raised a hand and opened a folder on the desk. “There’s a friend of the school who heard of Hannah’s situation and wanted to help.”

“Friend?” Barbara said. “Who?”

“A person who wishes to remain anonymous,” Shelly said. “Hannah’s tuition has been paid. For the entire year.”

“What?” Hannah said, glancing at Barbara with eyes as wide as saucers. She put a hand over her mouth as she stared at her grandmother.

Barbara’s jaw dropped, too. Tears came to her eyes. Who would do such a thing?

“I don’t know what to say,” Barbara finally said.

Shelly looked at the folder. “Now, there is the situation of the expulsions at the former schools. There’s a code of conduct we ask our students and their parents or guardians to sign. You’ll see the dress code, as well. I have a welcome packet that explains all of that. So if you agree, you simply sign the forms and return them.”

“We can sign that now,” Barbara said quickly.

Shelly smiled. “It’s another month before school starts. Take the packet, read it carefully so you know the rules and what’s acceptable and not acceptable.”

“I can assure you Hannah will abide by all the rules,” Barbara said. “That trouble she had, that’s over and done with. Right, Hannah?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Hannah said, her voice a little too soft for Barbara’s liking.

“We are grateful for this opportunity, Ms. Hundley. And you can trust that Hannah will be on her best behavior.”

Shelly looked at Hannah. “I think you’re going to find the teachers and staff here warm and welcoming. The students all want to learn. We have a great athletic program, though to be honest, we’re not sure which sports will be available in the fall. What are your interests outside of the classroom?”

Hannah seemed confused by the question.

“She ran track last year,” Barbara said.