Chapter 19

In the SS2 science classroom, Samantha settled into her seat, humming a childhood tune she’d sung with her father nights before. Classmates waved as they trickled in; some she greeted with a warm smile, others she ignored. When Joy burst through the door, her energy lit up the room.

“Sammy!” Joy exclaimed, racing over to hug her.

“Hi,” Samantha said, smiling but confused as Joy squeezed her tight.

“I’m so glad you’re okay,” Joy said, pulling back.

“Hmm?” Samantha tilted her head, still smiling.

“The way you left yesterday before school closed, I was worried,” Joy explained.

“Oh,” Samantha said, realization dawning. “It was nothing.”

“Nothing?” Joy pressed. “You left in a convoy. I thought you’d stolen something—or it was about Ugo.”

“Ugo? No, ew,” Samantha said, wrinkling her nose.

“I even thought maybe you and a boy had… you know, sixteen years ago stuff, and your mom found out,” Joy rambled.

“Joy…” Samantha interrupted, exasperated.