Stuntboy, in the Meantime

Portico finds an earring in the lobby and asks everyone in the apartment complex if it belongs to them, but everyone says no, so Portico knows that it must belong to Herbert. He decides to face his “villain” and takes Zola with him to knock on the boiler room door. Herbert opens the door and accepts his earring back. He then surprises Portico and Zola by inviting them inside. Portico eagerly agrees, curious about the boiler room and Herbert, but Zola is unsure. Herbert shows Portico and Zola how he can use the pipes in the boiler room to work out and notes that everything is perfect there—except the noise from next door. When he adds that it’s Portico’s parents who are responsible, Portico instantly starts to feel anxious. Herbert points out that Portico’s parents didn’t used to fight so much, and he believes that they must be getting a divorce.

Suddenly, Portico’s mind races with questions about what might happen to his family if his parents separate. Herbert admits that his dad hasn’t been around since his own parents divorced, but he hopes it will be different for Portico. Herbert even tells Portico that he thinks Portico’s parents are cool.