II
II Miri almost fell out of Lucan’s limo when it pulled to a stop. Tears filled her eyes and she couldn’t wipe them all away. The air was filled with smoke and dust and it was hard to see clearly. “It can’t be. It just can’t—” She didn’t want to believe it. She didn’t want to accept that Magic Hope University was gone. She tripped on something, but a hand caught her. It was Earl. He wore his scarf around his nose to keep out the smoke. His voice was muffled behind the dark scarf, and the dust gathered on the lacquered brim of his chauffeur cap. His strong, sturdy grip comforted her. “You okay, Miss?” he asked. Miri coughed. Earl handed her a bottle of water. Its crystalline plastic coating was a bright spot in the dust, and she reached for it. “I didn’t think it was this bad,” she
- Writer
