The school notified Laura and Rebecca, who were waiting for their boys when they got home.

"Mike!" Rebecca scolded. It was the most livid Mike'd seen her in a long time. "How could you?! This completely blows your chances of being valedictorian!"

"I know, Mom," Mike sighed.

"Your father would be so disappointed."

"I know." He was quieter that time.

Rebecca's anger melted away into shock and sadness. She blinked back tears for her late husband and daughter as she looked at her living son.

"Are you sure this is what you want?" she whispered.

"I—" Mike hesitated.

Rebecca waited.

"I don't know."