“What about sharks?” a small girl asked. “Can I swim in the ocean if there’s blood?”

“Yes,” I said. “Of course you can. Bears and sharks are not out to get you; don’t ever be afraid to explore the world. People, please listen: If any adult ever tells you that you can’t do something because you’re a girl, or because you’re a boy, or because you’re having a normal bodily function—always be suspicious. Because they are lying. Trust yourself. Find the truth. And remember to pack your poop out of the forest.”

They laughed. They were smart. They got it.

When the kids had packed up and the buses were gone, I joined Sean in Jane’s office, Natan nowhere to be seen.

“I’m sick of running interference with him,” I said to her. “He lies to the kids, and he’s inappropriate in all kinds of ways….”

“Document it,” she sighed. “Write everything down. I’ve spoken to him; he’s promised to try harder. Okay?”

“But—”

“I appreciate your concern, Muir, I do, and I’m handling it. Okay?”

Not angry, she seemed more…resigned?

Like Kira.

“Okay,” I said. I walked with Sean to a granite boulder tucked into the trees, and we sat together to drink water, eat trail mix, and spy.

“Something is up,” Sean said. “Jane is too smart for his shit.”

“It’s like he has something…” And then there he was. Natan walked from the parking lot straight to Jane’s office. “Over her?”

“Come on,” Sean whispered, took my hand, and we ran, crouching low, to hide beneath the open office window.

Even in the spy excitement I was preoccupied with his hand holding mine.

Get yourself together! Come on!

Jane’s voice was hushed, but aggravated. “These are children. There are specific ways to interact with them. Boundaries, Natan. I need you to run everything by me before your next class, and do not go off script.”

“But—”

“If schools stop sending kids for classes, we can’t stay open.”

“I didn’t say anything wrong! Who said I did?”

“Natan,” she hissed. Sean’s eyebrows shot up. We’d never heard that tone from Jane. “No more. Please don’t pretend this is the first complaint I’ve gotten; I can’t keep defending you. I love my brother, I love you, but I’m not willing to lose my job because my nephew refuses to interact appropriately with little kids who just want to learn about nature.”

“But a woman’s menses is nature—”

“Natan!” Full voice. She sounded exhausted. “Go home. Please.”

A silent pause.

“Honey,” Jane said, her tone softened. “Natan, please don’t cry.”

Oh my God, I mouthed. Sean shook his head in disbelief.

“I don’t feel safe right now,” Natan sniffed. “I feel like you’re threatening me. This isn’t how family treats each other.”

Safe? A-plus manipulation. Yikes.