“Who’s your roommate?”
“Don’t have one.”
That can’t be true. Segner was built to house two people per room, each of which is connected to another room via a bathroomsuite. There are pros and cons, but I like to think we got the better deal in our singles, even though Hyde is smaller. Maybe it’s because I share a room with Mads back home.
“Why?” I hear myself ask.
Sumner only shrugs. “An overseas wait-list student got delayed.”
“Man, you’re so lucky,” Brayden protests. “I’m stuck with Mica.”
My mind pulls focus toward Ellerby, who’s now engaged in conversation with three juniors. How is she able to act like nothing’s wrong when she knows the school has an expiration date? And if it’s true—what then? Am I supposed to go back to Pennsylvania? Graduate from a new school with a bunch of people I don’t know?
The thought makes my stomach twist.
A vibration buzzes in my pocket. I pull out my phone and find a text from Analiese.Where are you?
I should find her. We agreed we’d meet here. Actually, we agreed we’d walk over together, but then she’d changed her mind. Isn’t it okay for me to change mine? Because a large part of me wants to be alone right now, and I can’t do that if Analiese wants to drone about college applications and SAT scores.
We have the entire weekend to hang out. I can have tonight to myself.
Brayden’s still yammering about Mica. Neither of them pays me any mind as I slip away.
Instead of cutting through the quad, I walk the outer loop ofcampus. It’s the more scenic route, maybe three miles round-trip, the whole trail lit by antique lampposts for safety. Students use it as a jogging or walking course when the weather’s nice, a window that quickly shortens in the winter months.
My dad also used to love long walks around campus. When I was younger and we still lived here, I’d sometimes join him. It cleared his head and allowed him the space to think. The majesty of the Adirondacks were an added bonus. Even though the skies have cooled to a permeating darkness, I sense the peaks in the distance. The earthy scent of pine and spruce are a reminder Ivernia is centered around the rich texture of nature. It’s something he never took for granted.
There’s no guidebook to losing the most important person in your life. When their favorite song comes on the radio, when you accidentally order their favorite meal, when you find yourself using their catchphrases—it all comes spiraling back. Even the stages of grief aren’t linear. It’s a scab that starts to heal before it’s accidentally picked over, exposing the sensitive wound all over again. You don’t only lose what you had; you lose a piece of your future you’ll never get.
Ellerby’s revelation replays in my mind. I don’t know if it’s better or worse Sumner and I share this information. If he couldn’t go home last summer, I don’t know what will happen if the school does close. Hell, I’d vow to be nice to Sumner every day for the rest of the year if it meant Ivernia’s doors could stay open. There has to be a solution. Theremustbe.
I’m not ready to let go yet. I don’t think I’ll ever be ready.
Suddenly, an incandescent light draws my attention to the stars. Vivid green hues leak across the darkness, a magnificent neon, creating streaked pathways against the sky. I lose my breath. My dad’s journal predictions had been right—proof of an increase in solar activity, our solar maximum in full force right here in Lake Placid. The aurora winks and pulses against night’s darkened contrast.
Something moves within my periphery, drawing my attention forward. I squint across the way. The back of Segner House is barely visible, and I’m almost positive I see a figure slip through the back door.
My hands fumble for my phone, heart racing. I hope to god it’s Inessa and not one of the guys. As I tap to my messages, I see she updated the Hyde group chat fifteen minutes ago:going in. cover for me.
Oh no nono.
If that wasn’t Inessa, then she’s about to get caught. Crap. As if tonight could get any worse. I didn’t foresee anyone returning this soon. Everyone is supposed to be having a good time for atleastanother half hour.
abort, I type as fast as my fingers allow.just saw someone go in through the locker room.
A rush of adrenaline sets my nerves on fire. Sumner foiled my first Capture attempt. I can’t let it happen twice. But I’m here, aren’t I? Maybe it’s not too late to cause a diversion.
Inessa doesn’t respond.
Which means—
Damn it. I’m going to have to run.
“Why, why,whyyy,” I groan as I push away from the trail toward Segner House.
I would never cut through the field in any other circumstance, but it’s the most direct route. This stretch is dotted with grandiose elm trees, its ground uneven with corrugated roots and occasional rocks. I’ll be lucky if I don’t twist an ankle.
Sabine and Inessa were thrilled at the possibility of scoring the trophy tonight. We deserve a fighting chance.
