Thomas had heard Ms. Smith's short speech many times before. Every day there was a new arrival she explained it the same, but that did not make it any less true or important. The benefactor was something of a legend. Nobody really knew their name, who they were, or what their power was. If Ms. Smith knew, she wasn't telling. While they listened and waited, Thomas kept hold of Katherin's hand. It allowed him to focus on her to the near exclusion of the others, and avoid being overwhelmed.