Just then there was a knock on the door, and Cass walked into the room holding two boxed salads, in the midst of saying something about her cat Ricardo, but stopped short as she saw Kyle and me pull away from one another. I left a hand on Kyle’s shoulder to indicate to everyone that I was comfortable with what just happened, but he was flustered, and stood up, out of my touch.

Sorry, I said, to Cass. We were just having a difficult conversation.

Of course, sorry, I didn’t mean to barge in.

We—

Rain check on lunch?

No, no, we’re finished here.

Okay. I can—why don’t I just wait for you in the hall. Cass smiled, and walked back out of the room, keeping the door open.

Kyle was looking down at the floor. He seemed angry, or perhaps embarrassed; it was difficult to read his face. I expected him to walk out, but he lingered.

Maybe we can talk about it some more sometime, he said.

Of course. Yes.

When?

I’ll be staying after school to mark some papers.

Here?

Yes.

He looked up at me and nodded. He then slung his backpack over his shoulder and made to leave.

Kyle, I said, and he turned back around. His jaw was set; his face neutral. He was already returning to a world beyond my reach. A world far from unguarded vulnerability.

I want to see something for next Monday, okay?

4