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“Are you on drugs?” Annie asked.

Walt turned Hollis around so quick they almost knocked into a door.

“What? No. Where would I even find drugs?” Walt said immediately.

Everywhere, idiot, this is a small American town.

“Uhhhh, everywhere. You’re, like... weirdly happy these days,” Annie said. “Too alert to be opiates, not cuddly enough for ecstasy; if it was weed you’d absolutely reek. You’re doing better in school though, not worse.”

I’m smarter than you.

You’re like one thousand years old, you’ve had more time.

Yeah yeah yeah, I was a good student too before all this. It’s an original quality.

“—th to Hollis. Earth to Hollis,” Annie was shouting. “See, this is what I’m talking about.”

Walt shook Hollis’s head. “Annie, I’m not on drugs, I’m just trying harder. I don’t understand why you’d think that’s a bad thing.”

Annie narrowed her eyes at him, then crossed her arms tight over her honeycomb-yellow sweater.

“I’m going to practice, but when I see you next, we’re having words.” She flounced away.

Hollis watched her go; he missed her. Walt only let them hang out with her when he had to.

What kind of practice? Walt asked with a frown.

Band, she plays snare drum.

Walt brightened a bit. They got violins in there?

Kind of? They’re not the expensive kind; they’re plastic. Most people buy their own after a year. Why? Do you play?

When I can. Fiddle, some songs for temple, Walt explained. He pushed through the school doors and started walking them home.

You’re Jewish? I thought you were Catholic or something.

I’m half. The rest is Irish Catholic on my mom’s side. So I didn’t worship, just played and went home. It paid a little here and there. Always a good thing to be on the good side of a house of God.

Do you even believe in God?

Walt looked up at the sky. It was gray, getting ready to snow again.

I don’t know. Would you? If you were me?

That was... depressing. Hollis tried something, pushed a softer feeling Walt’s way. Concern.

Walt stopped walking in the middle of the sidewalk and said a quiet Oh and pressed a hand against Hollis’s chest. Where that feeling ended and began.

I... Walt blinked their eyes hard and fast. Thank you, Hollis, I’ll be all right. We ought to focus on this party you have coming. We should focus on that.