The parents shift uncomfortably. The teacher inches closer to the door and the headmaster rubs his forehead again. The mother looks pained as she shakes her head sadly.

Theta grips Delta a little tighter as his brother lets go with one hand. He glances up to see why and winces at the sight of his hearing aid. He'd guessed it was probably broken, but part of him had hoped it would be okay. He'd liked his aids.