“I’m glad you came to this decision yourself. I know you put a lot of time into this, but I believe this is probably best for all involved.” In this scene, there are no tear-streaked cheeks, no promises to do better, no begging for a second chance. Thirteen-year-old me stares the middle-aged, ruddy cheeked Mr. Polk straight in the eye, trying to decipher if I feel relief or offense that this man is letting me go so easily. No ‘Sad to see you go’? No ‘You’re making a mistake—p