And then Colin anticipated Ben’s serve and hit a good rail in return, and Ben gallop-hobbled to the back corner and hit a ball a few inches out from the wall, and Colin in turn volleyed a crosscourt drop shot. Ben saw it leave Colin’s racquet; he knew exactly where it would arrive, how far away it was from where he stood at that moment, exactly how he would have to lunge to retrieve it, and he knew he should let it go, leave it to the fact that his leg was still recovering, that no one expected him to play full out. But then he was halfway across the court, taking full long strides as the ball caromed off the front wall. He set all his weight with sincere momentum on the boot heel as he reached for the ball.

From his shin an impulse leapt through him. Everyone in the gallery saw it. Ben tipped the ball off the frame of his racquet. He straightened up and tested his weight again and felt slightly sick, the pain now a duller thudding, and he held out his hand to Colin, who seemed to mirror his chalk face.

“I think it might be a little too soon.”

Colin nodded.

“But it’s going to be great to play for real when I’m back.”

Colin looked at Ben’s chest as they finished shaking hands, and Ben now let his eyes come up to all the faces behind the court, and all of them together were like churning water. Ahmed couldn’t control a wince. Rory was in thrall. Everyone else was turning between disgust and bloodlust. Ben looked at Price again, who was placid.

Ben left the court. He looked back and saw the long black marks from the tread of the boot arcing all across the pristine floor.

*  *  *

The JV soccer season ended (Milton winning 1–0, leaving SJS at 5-5-1 and ineligible for the playoffs), the girls’ varsity field hockey team went on to lose to Groton in the semifinals of the ISL championships, and then it was Thanksgiving. Hutch was going home to New York, Ahmed was going to London to meet his family.

“What should I tell them?” Ahmed said, palming his longer buzz cut.

“Everyone on the soccer team was doing it,” said Ben.

Ahmed smiled. “When we get back, maybe people will forget a little of Ennis.” They gave each other a short wave.

Ben kept hoping to run into Alice before he left, but instead he went by Hutch’s room to say goodbye. “I heard Ahmed’s playing squash!” said Hutch. “Dude, quit trying to like be St. James!” he laughed, and Ben shook his head. They clasped hands and exchanged a backslap hug.