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It was quiet and strange when Annie and Hollis made it to school on Monday. Yulia didn’t seem in on whatever it was that was making people in the hallway stare at Hollis warily, so they couldn’t even get any intel from her.

Timothy was in his English class, and while Hollis didn’t usually talk to him, it was a good opportunity for a debriefing. But when he arrived, Timothy’s seat was empty.

Nothing happened until after lunch, when the intercom finally called him into the principal’s office. As Hollis headed down the hallway, he saw Stephanie walking quickly. Arms wrapped around her stomach, face red and wet.

When she saw him, she startled, then walked faster.

“Sorry,” she said as she passed. “I tried my best.”

Hollis’s heart sank.

He made his way to the administrative wing and sat down in one of the waiting chairs until the assistant principal called his name.