Present

It did not mean healed. It did not mean innocent. It meant available to answer for the next decision.

Everett's remaining records were placed before the court.

The town had to decide whether to release them.

Ruth abstained. June voted yes. Mara voted yes. Claire waited.

The court turned to her.

“You are not required to decide,” the clerk said.

Claire understood the change.

“Then I do not.”

The record remained pending.

Room Forty-Eight opened.