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I’d negotiated with Professor Whitfield for extra time, telling him we should try it with me returning on my own. See what the readings were when I brought myself back, instead of relying on an external cue.
Of course the real reason was to buy as much time as I could to say goodbye to everyone, but the professor didn’t need to know that.
The five of us stood at the trailhead, snow coating our heads. There was wind, too, which made it extra special. At least I’d traded out my wet socks and sneakers for the dry socks and boots Halli had been carrying for me.
Sarah hugged me fiercely. “Goodbye, Audie my love. Please call me when you’re home again—how I would love to see your face!”
Just the idea of it—how I’d never be able to see her again—Gemma, but not her—nearly made me start to c
