Mayor Benally stands. “I think we need to remember that real places have always inspired art. Shakespeare set plays in real cities. Countless authors have written about real locations. We should be honored that someone loved our town enough to write about it, not offended.”
More people stand.
“I agree.”
“Sadie’s proposal is generous.”
“She’s trying to give back.”
“Why are we punishing her for writing a book?”
Judith’s face is turning red. “This is exactly the problem! You’re all being blinded by money! She wrote pornography about our town, and you’re applauding her for it!”
“Have you actually read it, Judith?” Mateo asks.
“I told you, I don’t read—“
“Then how do you know it’s pornography?” His voice is sharp.
“I’ve read it too,” Jess calls out, unable to help herself. She grins at me before looking at Judith. “Twice. Remember Judy?”
People laugh. The tension breaks slightly.
Mayor Benally bangs his gavel. “Alright. I think we’ve heard enough. There will be no more contention on this matter. Sadie, thank you.”
The room erupts in applause.
Judith stares in disbelief. She stands, furious. “This is a disgrace. Mark my words, this will come back to haunt all of you. You’re making a mistake.”
She grabs her purse and storms toward the exit. A few people follow her. Not many. And everyone else stays. Clapping. Smiling. Supporting me.
My knees buckle. Mateo’s there in an instant, arms around me, holding me up.
“You did it,tesoro,“ he murmurs into my hair. “I knew you would.”
Happy tears and relief tears blend with overwhelmed ones. People start coming up to me. Mayor Benally shakes my hand.
“We’ll work out the details of your community investment next week,” he says. “But I’m glad you defended yourself.”
A girl, maybe nineteen, approaches shyly. “Ms. Pierce? I’m Janie. I was wondering if… would you maybe sign my copy ofWildfire Summer?”
I smile. “Of course.”
She pulls out a worn copy—pages dog-eared, spine creased from multiple readings, sticky notes peeking out from the edges.
“It’s my favorite book,” she says quietly. “Ivy reminds me of me. Like she doesn’t quite fit anywhere, but then she finds where she belongs.”
My throat tightens. “Thank you. That means everything to me.”
I sign it for her, and she hugs the book to her chest like it’s precious.
More people want to talk, apologize, and congratulate. It’s overwhelming in the best possible way.
Finally, Mateo leans in. “Let’s get out of here. Celebrate properly.”
I nod gratefully.
We head toward the exit, hand in hand. Jess, Macy, Isabel, and Dean follow.
