Contents
Letters, Emails, Facebook, Texts
Overview
Through letters and messages, Jack apologizes for punching Julian, and Mr. Tushman accepts his remorse. Julian’s mother challenges August’s enrollment, but Mr. Tushman firmly defends August and the welcoming program. Jack’s parents support restitution. Jack then contacts August, clears up the Halloween misunderstanding, and they restore their friendship.
Summary
Jack Will writes apology letters to Mr. Tushman and Julian, accepting blame for punching Julian and refusing to report what Julian said. Mr. Tushman replies with measured support, condemning violence but acknowledging that defending friends can spark conflict in a difficult first year of middle school.
Melissa Perper Albans emails Mr. Tushman, linking Jack’s “violent” act to pressure from being asked to befriend August and questioning August’s admission. Mr. Tushman counters that August has no special needs, the home interview was appropriate, and the welcoming committee was meant to teach empathy, noting Jack already embodies those virtues.
Jack’s parents email Melissa, apologize again, offer to pay Julian’s dental bills, and affirm that Jack enjoys August’s friendship and felt no pressure. The adult exchange ends with institutional support for August and a path back for Jack.
Separately, Jack sends August a Facebook request and an apologetic message. In texts, August confirms Jack punched Julian and presses for honesty about the Halloween insult. Jack admits being a jerk, denies ever meaning the “kill myself” comment, and jokes about Julian. August accepts the apology, and the boys officially become friends again.
Who Appears
- Jack WillWrites apologies, shows remorse, reaches out to August, and reconciles their friendship.
- August PullmanReceives Jack’s messages, probes for honesty about Halloween, and agrees to be friends again.
- Lawrence TushmanSupports Jack’s return, defends August’s admission, and frames the welcoming program as empathy-building.
- Melissa Perper AlbansEmails criticizing August’s enrollment and linking it to Jack’s behavior; is rebutted by Mr. Tushman.
- Julian AlbansVictim of Jack’s punch; implied instigator through comments about August; loses a baby tooth.
- John WillCo-signs apology, offers to cover dental bills, and affirms Jack’s friendship with August.
- Amanda WillJoins her husband in apologizing and supporting Jack’s continued friendship with August.