Even without Ryan having vanished, Lia had difficulty concentrating on math. In the sparsely populated study hall for remedial students, they all struggled with the same basic algebraic formula, rolling around inside their minds densely like jeans tumbling endlessly in a dryer yet refusing to dry.
When Mrs. Brenner, the amiable social studies teacher, swept into the class, the collective relief at a distraction was palpable throughout the room.
“Hi guys, sorry to interrupt. Mr. Sengstack and I would like to call all the freshmen together for a special assembly. Can you all follow me to the cafeteria?”
The small group of students slowly put away their notebooks, pencils, and calculators, a dim murmur of conjecture swelling between them. How had they gotten so lucky? What miracle was spri
