Inside, the gym was full again.
But this time, the kids wore regular shoes.
“What’s going on?” I asked quietly.
“You’ll see,” the principal said.
Moments later, he stepped forward.
“Andrew, come on up here, son.”
Andrew walked forward.
Then a man in uniform entered.
I recognized him immediately—Jim, Jacob’s fire captain.
“Andrew,” Jim said, “your dad was one of ours. He showed up when people needed him. He gave everything he had.”
Andrew stood still.
“This community didn’t forget,” Jim continued. “They’ve been working on something for you and your mom.”
He opened a folder.
“We’ve raised a scholarship fund for your future.”
The room filled with murmurs.
I covered my mouth, tears already falling.
Then Jim brought out a box.
Inside was a brand-new pair of sneakers—custom-made with Jacob’s name and badge number.
Andrew’s eyes widened.
“These are for you.”
“For me?”
He carefully took off his old shoes… and put on the new ones.
