Contents
Four Things
Overview
Jack lists four realizations about August: he quickly gets used to August’s face, finds him funny and kind, and respects his intelligence. After a homework-copying incident, August protects Jack by lying to spare him trouble. This convinces Jack he genuinely wants to be friends with August, not just out of obligation.
Summary
Jack reflects on four takeaways about August. First, the initial shock of August’s face fades within a week, and Jack adjusts. This change lowers Jack’s anxiety around August and makes everyday interactions easier.
Second, Jack discovers August is genuinely fun to be around. August’s quiet jokes in class make Jack laugh, and Jack finds him easy to talk to, which builds a comfortable, natural rapport.
Third, Jack realizes August is academically strong. When Jack copies August’s homework and they are caught by Ms. Rubin because of identical mistakes, August protects Jack by claiming they worked together. Ms. Rubin warns them to do their work separately, and Jack thanks August afterward, recognizing the loyalty behind the cover story.
Finally, Jack admits that while he initially was nice because Mr. Tushman asked, he now chooses August as a friend on his own. Jack feels he can tell August anything and, given a choice among classmates, would pick August to hang out with.
Who Appears
- Jack WillNarrator; reassesses August, appreciates his humor and smarts, is protected during a homework incident, and chooses genuine friendship.
- August PullmanFunny, kind, academically strong; quietly jokes with Jack and covers for him when Ms. Rubin suspects cheating.
- Ms. RubinTeacher who notices identical homework errors and warns Jack and August to work separately.