Chapter 25 - Leo goes to school
Nine months after I found him, Leo was not ready for normal full-time school.
He had educational gaps.
Five years of irregular books and offline material.
He could read above expected level in some areas.
Math behind.
Social development complicated.
District arranged:
Homebound instruction initially.
Then small transitional program.
No miracle.
First day on campus lasted forty-five minutes.
He came home exhausted.
Second week:
One hour.
Then two.
He hated fluorescent lights.
Loved science lab.
Would not enter supply closets.
Teachers kept doors open when possible.
No one forced exposure.
Then one child recognized him from news.
“Were you the wall kid?”
Leo punched him.
Not good.
Not proof of evil.
School handled:
Separation.
Counseling.
Parent meeting.
No criminalization.
Leo apologized later.
Lost gaming privilege for one evening? Could be ordinary consequence. Fine.
He asked me:
“Are you mad?”
“Yes.”
“Food?”
“No.”
He looked confused.
Then laughed.
“Wrong story, Dad.”
No—that phrase feels meta. Avoid. Instead he said:
“I know. Food isn’t punishment.”
Good.
May you like
He was learning.
So was I.
