They fire a 65-year-old janitor for being “too slow”—but when a winter storm traps his teenage neighbor, his experience becomes the reason a child survives the night

off. The lights flicker. Everyone’s scared.”

“Any pipes burst?”

“Not yet.”

“That’s the most hopeful thing I’ve heard all day.”

She gave a weak laugh.

Then she noticed Tyler.

“And who is this?”

“My apprentice.”

Tyler stood straighter again.

That word did something to him.

Apprentice.

Not kid.

Not problem.

Not screen zombie.

Apprentice.

A person being trusted with continue reading …