November Blues (Jericho, #2)

As Jericho searches for a book in his locker, his music teacher, Mr. Tambori, uses this as an opportunity to talk to the boy. The teacher reminds him that a few months have passed since Jericho last came for his trumpet lesson, and tells him that he is still holding a spot for him on Wednesdays. Jericho retorts that he no longer knows where his trumpet is, although Mr. Tambori does not believe him. He knows how much Jericho loved playing the trumpet: Jericho even named it Zora, and carried it with him everywhere. Jericho acknowledges that he threw the trumpet under his bed after Josh’s funeral, with no intention to ever play it again. He confesses that when he looks at his instrument, all he can think of is that Josh will never be able to hear music again. Even though Mr. Tambori tries to convince Jericho that he knows exactly how he feels, Jericho is sure that nobody knows how he feels.

Mr. Tambori asks Jericho not to blame himself, but Jericho holds himself accountable for what happened to Josh. He says that he cheered Josh on and watched him perform the deadly stunt, and that’s why he will never forgive himself for what happened.