ADIN ZAVARY
14 PTS
I’ve somehow managed to hold on to second place for the third challenge in a row. Pride sparks momentarily in me when I think of how happy Dad will be to see. But more importantly, Seyoon’s still safe too, despite us each only earning six and a half points. Even after everything, the knot of tension in me releases to see that she’s okay. She made the cut.
And then I hear sniffling.
Beck is wrapped in Vendredi’s arms while Seyoon holds them both in a group hug. Siddharth isn’t celebrating his new spot in third place either, not with Adin now in the bottom two. I wince. I was so absorbed in the fact that Seyoon and I made it, I forgot two others would be going home.
Adin grabs a shamefaced Siddharth by his shoulders and jostles him hard enough that his perfectly styled hair falls over his face.
“Sidd, listen to me. Are you listening?” Adin asks, dead serious. “Don’t feel bad, because you’re going to win. Hey—” He turns toone of the nearby cameras now, beckoning them over. The camera operator looks around, then awkwardly creeps forward, practically mushing the front of the camera against their faces. Adin turns his face to a three-fourth angle and thumps his fist to his chest. “You’re going to win,” he repeats dramatically.
Siddharth blinks, now more confused than upset. His shirt collar is stretching thin under Adin’s grasp. “You know what?” he eventually says. “Hell yeah.”
“Hell yeah!”
“For you, Adin!”
“For me!”
They go in for what I assume is going to be one of those dude-bro handshakes, but they instead opt for the popular variant: the dude-bro-handshake-turned-back-thumping-hug. A classic among its specimens, one I have not personally mastered myself. The hug lingers for a while though—okay, alongwhile. I’m going to avert my eyes and give them some privacy.
Beck and Adin say their goodbyes, are handed their bags, and head off for their exit interviews. Just like that, two more gone. The cabin will be so quiet without Adin’s rambunctious laughter or Beck’s quick, excited murmurs to Vendredi. Or without Seyoon’s nonstop chatter from the bunk below. I have a feeling I won’t hear it tonight. I miss it already.
I muster enough courage to glance in her direction. Her eyes are red, splotchy from saying goodbye to Beck and comforting a much more upset Vendredi. The dull edge of regret nudges its way inside me, slipping under my rib.
CONFESSION TAPE—Adin Zavary, Contestant
How does it feel to be booted off the show? It sucks, thanks for asking.
Ha, nah, it’s okay, I’ll be alright. I still get, like, partial bragging rights for seventh place. I’m sure it’ll be enough to get me elected as student body prez next year. Wrestling captain though? No, I’d probably have to get at least sixth for that.
I’m rooting for Siddharth, now! You better win!
CONFESSION TAPE—Beck McLaughlin, Contestant
I’m disappointed I wasn’t able to redeem my loss onPhantom Pursuersthrough this show, but it’s okay. I ended up having a lot of fun and making some great friends. More importantly, though, while we were out in the woods for the last challenge, I foundthis.
[The camera zooms in on the tuft of matted brown fur in her hands.]
Based on the texture and color, I’m almost positive this is a sample of Bigfoot’s hair. I didn’t want to say anything to the others about it at the time because I know Siddharth has cryptozoophobia. Although this distracted me from the challenge, it was worth it.
Blake finds me definitely-not-wallowing on the porch the next morning. Today’s another B-roll film session, unfortunately. Now more than ever, I wish I were anywhere but here. I’d even take bailing Meredith out from another bad date over this.
“Morning, Dean,” Blake says, as sunny as ever. “Cheer up, champ, your day’s about to get a lot better.”
