As Elijah gathered his backpack, Delacroix added casually, "You know, we could call it a mentorship program—completely under the radar. You've got something special, Elijah. Something people either fear or try to exploit. Better to nurture it quietly for now."
The words resonated with Elijah, acknowledging a truth he'd felt but never articulated. He nodded, understanding the implicit warning. "Thank you, Mr. Delacroix."
"Call me Dell," the teacher replied with a smile. "Everyone does."
As Elijah made his way home in the gathering dusk, his mind kept returning to the feeling of the piano keys beneath his fingers and the sound that had filled the room. For the first time in years, he allowed himself to remember the joy of playing without the shadow of that long-ago humiliation.
The next day at school, Elijah found himself in the cafeteria line, keeping to himself as usual. He had just paid for his lunch when Mrs. Drake appeared beside him, her clipboard clutched against her chest like armor.
"Mr. Walker," she said crisply. "A word?"
Elijah followed her to a quiet corner of the cafeteria, aware of curious glances from nearby tables.
"I understand you were in the music room after hours yesterday," she began without preamble.
Elijah nodded, his stomach tightening. "Mr. Delacroix invited me in."
"I see." Her tone suggested she didn't see at all. "And what were you doing there?"
"Just talking about music."
Mrs. Drake's thin lips pressed into an even thinner line. "Mr. Walker, let me be clear. Your academic record is barely passable. Spending time on distractions isn't going to improve your college prospects." She lowered her voice. "You'll never get anywhere mumbling to yourself and fiddling with fake keys. Focus on your actual studies."
Before Elijah could respond, she turned on her heel and walked away, leaving him standing alone with his lunch tray.
The interaction left a bitter taste in his mouth, but it also strengthened his resolve. After school, instead of heading straight home, he found himself turning toward the music wing.
Mr. Delacroix—Dell—was there as promised, grading papers at his desk.
"I'd like to take you up on that offer," Elijah said without preamble. "If it still stands."