Malcolm

“Mr. Peppernick, I asked you here today to offer you the position of our middle-school boys’ head soccer coach. As you may know, Mr. Ellis, the current head coach, is undergoing medical treatment that makes it difficult, if not impossible, for him to maintain the coaching schedule.”

I stare at the school district’s athletic director, Mr. Keys, as I consider his offer. “You know I played hockey, right?”

His stoic expression melts. “Yes, we’re all ...