"A creative outlet is a positive way to express how you feel," Julianna told Brian kindly. "Music, poetry, dance. Creativity is supposedly separate from intelligence, but I've always believed they're linked."

He seemed troubled, but it wasn't her place to press him to talk. For no other reason than Valerie might consider it to be meddling. If he wanted to share, he could. But she could at least ask a leading question.

"Why do you have to un-teach yourself?"