as though they were evaluating a stranger who had applied for a job.
Maya spoke first.
“Are you rich?”
Alex blinked.
“Why do you ask?”
“I saw your building online.”
Lucas wanted to know whether Alex could ride a bicycle without training wheels.
Clara noticed the dimple in Alex’s cheek.
She touched her own face.
“You have mine.”
Alex almost broke down.
Leo didn’t say anything.
Eventually, Maya, Lucas, and Clara ran toward the playground.
Leo stayed behind.
He stood directly in front of Alex.
“My mom never said bad
