protesters
More people with signs come today. They want Ruby to be free. Some of them even want Mack to shut down the mall.
In the evening, George and Mack talk about them. Mack says they’re protesting the wrong guy. He says they’re going to ruin everything. He says thanks for nothing, George.
Mack stomps off. George, holding his mop, watches him leave. He rubs his eyes. He looks worried.
“Dad,” Julia says, looking up from her homework. “You know what my favorite sign was?”
“Hmm?” George asks. “Which one?”
“The one that said ‘Elephants Are People Too.’”
George gives her a tired smile.
He goes back to work. His mop moves across the empty food court like a giant brush, painting a picture no one will ever see.