For two weeks they managed through favors. Marcy drove once. A hospital coworker dropped Eli at the station after an overnight shift. Mrs.
Alvarez borrowed her sister’s car for a lesson day. Sarah considered pausing the summer program because she hated owing people logistical pieces of her life. Eli overheard the discussion and offered to quit Hartwell until fall. Sarah turned on him so fast he stepped back.
“Absolutely not.” “It’s just summer.” “It’s not about summer.” “We can save the gas and—”
“Eli.” Her voice softened. “Your job is to work hard and be grateful, not to shrink every time money gets inconvenient.” He looked down.
“But it’s because of me.” “No. The car broke because the car is old. Do not turn every family problem into a bill with your name on it.”
That conversation stayed with him for years. Hartwell’s social worker, a woman named Janine Ross, eventually learned about the transportation problem because Eli missed a theory class. She helped Sarah apply for an emergency access fund the conservatory maintained quietly for fellowship families. The fund did not repair the Honda, but it provided prepaid rideshare credits to the station for six weeks.
Sarah resisted until Janine said, “This is exactly what the money is for. Donors did not contribute so you could preserve your pride while he misses class.” Sarah laughed despite herself.
“You and Mrs. Alvarez would get along.” “Terrifying thought.” By August, the Honda had been repaired through a payment plan Sarah disliked but could manage. Eli had spent the summer studying Clementi, Bach, and a contemporary piece called “Rain on Tin” written by a young American composer.