“I’ve never danced with anyone,” Jarod said. “I don’t know how to dance.”

“It’s easy,” said Miss Parker. “I’ve taken lessons. Take my hand, and put your other one around my waist. Now watch my feet.”

“Oh, I get it. That’s easy. A simple geometric pattern.”

“It’s more than that.”

“Then what?”

“I’m not sure,” she admitted with a laugh. “But that’s what they say.”

Jarod laughed too, and they went round in circles.

From above, Sydney watched the two children, wondered if he ought to stop them. But Jarod was laughing. He laughed so rarely. Let them dance, Sydney thought. Just this once. Let him be a kid.

Jarod and Miss Parker danced.