The worry in Shadow’s voice, which would normally annoy the hell out of me because it makes me feel inadequate and stupid, now feels like a warm blanket wrapping around my shoulders. Still, before I turn around to face them, I look down, just to make sure, and yes, there it is—the list, clutched tightly in my arms, like a drowning man holding onto a lifebuoy. Even while fighting for my life, I managed to hang on to it without even realizing. A surge of relief washes over me. I’m not crazy. This is proof. Only then do I turn around.
There they are, huddled together like three children sheltering under an imaginary umbrella: Gnat, Shadow, and Slug, looking thoroughly shaken and as white as ghosts. The three transparent voices in my head had been right. I wanted to return to my friends, and here they are.
I want to get up and join them, but my exhausted body doesn’t respond to my brain’s commands. I want to say something, but I can’t find the words. So, the only thing I do is observe this strange group of misfits that somehow transformed into my friends, even if I didn’t want them to.
Nobody knows what to say. The emotions have been so raw and honest that now, with the danger gone, we all feel a bit embarrassed and struggle to find a way to save face. I’m not sure what strikes me most, but I think it’s the expression on Gnat’s face. Although he is half-hidden behind Slug and Shadow, my eyes are drawn to him immediately. There’s none of his usual arrogant, I-don’t-give-a-shit attitude left. He looks undone, shaken, and dangerously close to tears. I try to catch his eyes to reassure him, to tell him that everything’s alright. But when he finally looks up, I’m unprepared for the sensation that churns in my stomach. One second, two, and then it’s over.
Realizing that his emotions are on display, his expression transforms in the blink of an eye from embarrassed to agitated—his comfort zone—and when he finally speaks, he does so with the signature arrogant entitlement that’s pissed off so many people these past months. It’s music to my ears. This is the Gnat I know.
“Jeez, Firehead, where were you when we were doing all the hard work? Fixing your hair? Writing in your journal... Ouch!” The elbow landing between his ribs makes him gasp for air. Shadow’s intervention is all we needed to switch back to normal. Even if it hurts my face, I smile. “I missed you too, little mosquito. Sorry I wasn’t there to help. I had to deal with some unwanted company on my way out, but as you can see, my hair is still impeccable as ever.” Shadow smiles now too, Slug seconds later, with his characteristic delay, and finally, Gnat himself.
Williams, who has been observing us quietly, finally intervenes, sounding uncharacteristically resolute and decisive. “I’m sure you’ll have enough time to catch up with your friends later, Miss Kwintens. You’ll find their story riveting and exciting. For now, however, we need to address the object you’ve recovered so unexpectedly and brilliantly. Are you able to walk? I can carry you if you prefer.”
“Eh... no... I’m okay...” I try to get up. Immediately, my knees buckle. Gnat, Shadow, and even Slug shoot forward, but before they can reach me, I feel Williams’ arms around my shoulders, holding me with unexpected strength. The longer he supports me, the more strength returns, until after a few seconds, my legs are able to carry me.
Shadow, Gnat, and Slug try to join us, but Williams won’t have it. “Miss G’nodoa, Mister Monteque, and Mister Stanislaw, you’ll have to miss your friend for a little longer. It will only be half an hour or so.”
“But...” Gnat protests.
“Thank you for understanding, Mister Monteque. I’m glad you know that I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important.” His voice is as friendly as ever, but somehow it’s impossible to argue.
“Okay... half an hour, not a minute longer.”
“Scout’s honor, Mister Monteque.” And there we go, first supported by Williams but soon on my own two legs, heading to the vice-principal’s office with the list still held firmly in both hands, as if I’m afraid it will fly away. My friends follow at a safe distance despite Williams’ warning. Of course, he knows they are there, but he allows it. What a lovely man.
The school itself feels uncharacteristically calm and peaceful after everything that happened this afternoon. Just a building, nothing more. Maybe it’s true—now that I’m calm, the school is too. It is hard to believe but still.
“That makes all the difference, doesn’t it, Miss Kwintens,” Williams says casually. “Being aware of your potential.”
“Well... yes... I guess...”
“Ah, here we are.” He nods to the door to our right—the vice-principal’s office. “She’s expecting you.” I hesitate, afraid of what I might encounter inside. "An open mind and an honest heart—that’s always best, Miss Kwintens. Even if it doesn’t seem that way. There you go." I step over the threshold, and the door closes softly behind me.