70. The announcements

"Welcome to the first official day of the school year."

Elliot sat between Sheree and Rayne. Albert sat on Rayne's right as they all listened to the new president speak. Sheree squeezed Elliot's hand tightly and pulled him in closer.

"You think it was my fault that the last guy lost his job?"

Sheree thought the words into Elliot's mind while resting her head on his shoulder.

"No, I think that his lax security policy led to what happened to you. Don't blame yourself."

Elliot tried to add emotion to the thoughts he sent back. He knew she could hear him, just not what he sounded like to her. He needed to let her know that none of what happened to her was her fault. It was crushing to watch her mentally punishing herself and not be able to help. 

"This past summer was hard on our tiny campus and even harder on the people inhabiting it."