The Boy Who Gave Up the Race to Save His Rival

in his lap for nearly an hour before opening it.

The sun had dropped behind the pines.

The trailer park lights flickered on.

Inside, his mother was making spaghetti with the good sauce she saved for Sundays.

His father was on the phone in a low voice, asking questions about job applications.

His little siblings kept peeking out the window at him like he continue reading …