The mention of Umma goes straight to my chest. I wonder what she’s doing right now. Probably breaking her back at one ofher two jobs, or at home, all alone. Remorse stings me. I can’t forget why I’m here. For her. Everything I do here is to make sure that she has a better life when I come back.
I’ll do anything to make that happen.
I nod slowly.
“Then, win. And do whatever it takes to get there.”
I tilt my head up at Blake and offer a meek smile. “I will. Thank you.”
26
DOES THE DUDE-BRO HANDSHAKE REALLY NEED A SPECIAL VARIANT?
DEAN
The nurse kicks me out of the infirmary for elimination, dashing my hopes of hiding out there with the excuse of a stomachache. I crunch on chalky Tums, dragging my feet to the bonfire circle where everyone else is already sitting. The only available seat is on the side opposite Seyoon. I’m too cowardly to glance in her direction, afraid I’ll be met with that look of scorn that’s still burned on my retinas.
The stand-up stage lights they’ve erected around the crackling fire are so bright, they almost make me forget it’s nighttime. Garrett stands with his back to them, his silhouette lit like some dramatic hero. He catches me looking his way. Any of the candid sincerity he lent me back in the confession booth—if it was real at all—is tucked neatly behind his flashy TV smile now.
Welcome to our third elimination of the season—and our first double elimination. Campers, before we dive in, let’s debrief. Unfortunately, not everybody was able to find their doll—treasure. Vendredi, along with Beck and Adin, you struggled to snag aSpecial-Edition Limited-Run Garrett Moxley Funko Pop. What happened?
Vendredi purses her lips, not happy about being called out. “There was a lot of ground to cover and not enough time. Looking back on it, Beck and I should have divided and conquered, but we stuck together for our search.” She rubs her arm. “Plus, I haven’t seen my mom’s season in forever. I wasn’t sure what location might be significant.”
There’s a pregnant pause. I wonder why Garrett doesn’t continue, until I notice it’s because multiple cameras are angled toward Carter, waiting for another snarky soundbite. For once, he exhibits good self-preservation instincts and keeps his mouth shut.
There you have it. For those of you who did retrieve a figurine, you’ve earned ten points. As long as they were fromdifferentlocations. Meaning, Seyoon and Dean, even though you each collected a Funko Pop, it’s only ten points between you. But don’t forget—our two alliances get their bonus points, too.
“But they broke up,” Siddharth points out. “We all heard it. Should they still get the alliance bonus?”
My blood runs cold. Garrett glances backward at Blake. She gestures him over, whispers something in his ear, and he nods.
Because they completed the challenge together and only ended their allianceafterward,they’ll still earn the bonus this time. However, moving forward, they won’t. Satisfied? Then, let’s reveal the new standings.
No more bonus points moving forward. Because we’re not together anymore. Right.
I turn my attention to the leaderboard while ignoring the dull pang in my chest.
1ST
CARTER MOXLEY
39 PTS
