“Number theory and combinatorics,” Noah said. Then, with a small shrug: “I like hard problems.”
That made Andrew laugh despite himself.
“Clearly.”
Noah remained standing until Andrew gestured to the empty first-class seat across from him.
“Sit down. You’ve earned at least that much.”
Noah hesitated, then sat carefully, as if trying not to disturb an invisible boundary.
Andrew asked about school.
Noah told him that his public school did not offer advanced mathematics beyond a point, so he taught himself. A teacher named Mrs. Alvarez had recognized his talent in middle school and started finding him harder materials. From there, he had exhausted the school curriculum, then moved into online college-level coursework using free resources and library access.
“How are you funding this trip?”
For the first time, Noah looked slightly uncomfortable.
“My community helped. Church collections, neighborhood donations, fundraisers. People chipped in because they wanted me to have the chance.”
Andrew felt that answer land harder than he expected.