Page 36 of Hiss and Tell
My heart pounds as Sebastian takes the phone. I watch his face carefully, trying to read every micro-expression while his snakes go perfectly still.
“Yes, sir… Thank you… That’s wonderful news… Of course, I’ll be happy to discuss implementation next week.”
When he hangs up, his smile could power the entire library.
“Full funding approved,” he says, his voice slightly awed. “Four to one vote. Mrs. Randall was the only no.”
Relief floods through me so powerfully I have to grip the tiny chair arms. “Sebastian, that’s incredible!”
“The mayor said the community support was unprecedented. That several council members specifically mentioned theprofessionally done PowerPoint presentation and how the video testimonials changed their understanding of what libraries should provide. This wouldn’t have been possible, Apen, if you hadn’t come to my rescue.”
Jenny grins from the doorway. “Congratulations. You’ve earned this. Both of you.”
After she leaves, Sebastian and I sit in the quiet children’s section, processing what just happened. His snakes have finally relaxed, several of them actually swaying in what looks like celebration.
“So,” I say eventually. “How do we celebrate?”
“Pizza,” Sebastian says before the question is out of my mouth. “With Milo. At your place, if that’s okay. I want to tell him the news properly.”
An hour later, we’re picking up Milo from Little Dragons. Hearing the excited sounds of children playing outside, we go around to the back. Milo takes one look at us and immediately leaps in the air with fist pumps and races around the playground shouting, “We won! We won! Mr. Sabastion won!”
When we assure Miss Lee that it’s true, her congratulations are almost as enthusiastic.
“How did you know we won?” Sebastian asks as we buckle him into his car seat.
“Mama’s smiling and doing her happy breathing,” Milo explains matter-of-factly. “And your snakes look wiggly instead of worried.”
At home, we spread pizza boxes across my small dining table while Milo provides a detailed recap of his day, complete with finger-painting updates and playground politics. Sebastian listens with the focused attention that first made Milo adore him, asking follow-up questions that show he genuinely cares about four-year-old concerns.
“Tyler said his parents were at the big meeting,” Milo reports through a mouthful of cheese. “He said his mom called you smart and brave.”
“Tyler’s mom is very kind,” Sebastian replies. “And Tyler’s a lucky boy to have parents who care about making sure all kids have good places to learn.”
“Like you care about me and Mama.”
“Exactly like that.”
Watching them together, I’m struck again by how natural this feels. How Sebastian never talks down to Milo or dismisses his interests. How he genuinely enjoys our four-year-old’s company without patronizing him.
After dinner, while Sebastian and Milo build an elaborate block city on the living room floor, I clean up and let myself feel the full weight of what today means. The funding approval isn’t just Sebastian’s professional validation—it’s proof that ourcommunity sees value in what he does, recognizes that families like ours deserve support and stability.
“Mama, look!” Milo calls. “Mr. Sebastian’s helping me make a library in block city!”
Sure enough, they’ve constructed an impressive building complete with tiny windows and a block sign that reads “BOOKS” in Milo’s careful letters.
“That’s incredible architecture,” I say, settling on the couch to watch.
“Milo’s the chief designer,” Sebastian explains. “I’m just providing structural engineering support.”
“Can we read stories now?” Milo asks once the block library meets his approval. “The celebration kind withmagic?”
“Of course. What would you like to hear?”
Milo considers this with the gravity of someone choosing entertainment for visiting royalty. “The dragon story. But make the dragon happy because we’re celebrating.”
Sebastian settles into the armchair while Milo curls up on his lap, and I claim my usual spot on the couch. As Sebastian begins weaving a tale about a dragon who discovers that the best treasures are the friends you make along the way, his manifestation magic fills the room with warm, golden light. The spectral dragon that appears is indeed joyful, swooping and diving playfully through the air.
Milo’s eyes grow heavy as the story winds down, but he fights sleep with the determination of someone who doesn’t want the celebration to end.
