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Story: Puppy Pride

“Brave.”

“Pragmatic. It would cost thousands to book new flights. The doctors have assured us that Chris is out of danger. It’s not their parents’ first round with an EpiPen event, so they know the drill. Chris will be back at camp before they could get here. And you need to go. Cody’s waiting.”

“You’re a good man, Jai.”

He pulled back to meet my gaze. “I do my best. I will be in touch—I promise.”

I let him go.

He headed back to Chris.

I headed into the dark night of the unknown.

Chapter Seventeen

Jai

Somehow, I managed to get Chris back to camp in time for breakfast. They ate voraciously, accepted the well-wishes from everyone, and then went to their room to crash.

I did much the same thing—having slept little at the hospital. I woke in time for lunch and found it delivered with a knock on my door by Cody.

Crap.“Hey, come on in.”

He grinned, handing me a paper bag. “Chef made it special for you.”

I was almost afraid to ask because I had never given my preferences to our eerily omniscient head ofmaking everyone healthy while indulging themperson.

We sat at the table.

Cody yanked out his cold cuts sub and grinned.

I pulled out my peanut-butter-and-banana sandwich and smiled, despite myself. “My best friend’s mom used to make these for me when I went over. A decidedly non-Indian food. How did Chef know?”

“I honestly have no clue.” He slid off his chair and headed to the cupboards. “I’m thinking water is in order.”

“With peanut butter? Absolutely. Better with milk.”

“Oh.” Cody’s eyes lit as he detoured to the fridge. Moments later, he was back with two glasses.

“I could’ve come to the great hall.”

“You look like shit.”

I blinked.

“Just keeping it real.” He sipped his milk. “Chris had lunch and is working with the group on their play. They’re a hell of a writer. I suspect they’ll go to bed early tonight, but I don’t see any lingering effects—psychological or physical.”

“That’s a relief.” I poked my bag. “Chips?”

Cody shrugged. “We’re allowed.” He eyed his sandwich. “So, you and Mr. Fulton…?”

I winced.

“He said you were just friends.”

“We are friends.”

“He said you knew each other frombefore.”