Chapter 4

“What?” Carl said defensively.

Tom shrugged and looked away. It was not his nature to interfere, Carl knew. But it washis nature to observe—and Tom saw, as far as Carl could tell—virtually everything.

Carl began to eat, but put his fork down after one bite and turned to his friend.

“No,” he said. “What?”

Tom looked at him, chewing with that placid motion that always made Carl think of a contented cow. He shrugged and swallowed.

“Since you insist,” he said. “It’s my distinct impression that something is bothering you.”

“Really!”

“Really.”

Carl looked down at his lunch, appetite gone. When he resumed eating, it was with an effort. After several mouthfuls he said, “I’m Conditional.”

Tom looked at him. “Conditional? You mean probationary status?”