I found Jasmine and Juliet sitting at the tables on the main floor. Juliet saw us walking up to them and jumped up. Jasmine turned around and saw me, smiling. Jasmine turned to face us and smiled. She followed Juliet over to me. Juliet hugged me, smiling brightly. “Hi, Elias,” she said. Jasmine stopped in front of me. “How are you doing, now? Feeling better?” I nodded. “And who’s your friend?” She asked, pointing to Logan, who was standing behind me. “Ms Jasmine!” Juliet said with a laugh. “That’s Logan! He’s my friend!” Jasmine's breath caught in her throat. “Logan? Is that... Are you... is it actually you?” She asked, stepping closer to him. “I could ask you the same,” he replied, like he’d just seen a ghost. “You look so… so different,” Jasmine said. “Yeah. So do you,” he said back, still starstruck. I walked away with Juliet, letting Jasmine and Logan have the perfect mother-son reunion.
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1u0GGbSNV
“How was up high?” Juliet asked. “It was good. I found Logan up there,” I replied. “That’s good. I like Logan. He’s funny, and nice, and sweet, and super duper awesome. He’s just like me! Did you know that he’s also a demon?” She asked with a whisper. I nodded. “Yes, I did. He’s my brother, I know these kinds of things about him.” Juliet put her hands on her hips. “Really? What’s his favourite colour?”
“Green.”
“Well, that one’s too easy. What’s his favourite food?”
“I believe it is grilled cheese sandwiches,” I said, taking some time so it would seem like I was thinking hard about it. “Okay, one more. What type of cookie does he like to eat when he’s sad?” Again, I paused before answering. “I don’t know. You got me. What's the answer?” Juliet beamed and proudly said, “Oatmeal raisin! You silly goose!” I nodded. “That’s right. I should have known.” Juliet skipped back over to Jasmine, talking about cookies. I sat on the nearest table, thinking. Logan was my brother, we lived together for years. I don’t know why I was beating myself up about not knowing what cookie he liked. But still. I should know these things. Why did Juliet know my own brother better than me? Maybe I was just a bit upset about being proven wrong by a six year old. No! That shouldn’t have happened. I groaned and laid down on top of the table. Looking up to the top of the base, I could see out of a few skylights. The top of the base was covered in glass, and most of the glass was covered with vines, moss, and grass so nobody looking down could see in. We could see out, though.
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdqAcei6sz
Someone sat down next to me. “What’re you looking at?” Sammy asked. I sat up quickly, moving away from him. “What are you doing?” I asked him. “I was going to try and see some birds flying around outside,” he replied. “No, I mean, why did you choose to come over to me?” I said, still distancing myself from him. I could see a red splotch and a bruise on his face from where I’d punched him. “I was talking to Maggie. She… she convinced me that I’m wrong. You’ve done nothing wrong. It took me a while to figure it out, and I… I’m sorry. I know I’ve been a terrible friend, and I know you probably don’t like me very much.” My eyes scanned his face, hoping that I found nothing to show he wasn’t being sincere. When I didn’t, I relaxed. “You know, Sammy, in all the years I’ve known you, I don’t think I’ve ever heard you admit to being wrong. And yeah, I'm not really ready to immediately move past what you said, but I’ll work on it. But thanks.” He nodded. “Take as long as you need. I’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready, as a friend.” With nothing else to say, he stood and started walking away. “Wait!” I called after him. He turned around, walking back over to me. “What’s up?” he excitedly asked. “I need to show you something.” I led him over to Jasmine, Juliet, and Logan. When Logan saw Sammy, he smiled. Sammy looked to me for confirmation. “Is that actually him?” I nodded. “Yeah, it’s me,” Logan replied, giving Sammy a hug. “It’s good to see you, Sammy,” he said. “You, too, Logan.”
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR45MRhslZu
I was more than ready to be happy, and have fun, but of course, Melissa and Maggie came running over. That was never a good thing. They stopped when they got to our little group. “Guys, we’ve got news,” Maggie started. “First, there’s been a development with Mariah. Second, hi, Logan. Third, it’s a good thing. Fourth… wait. Logan?” She blinked in shock. “How did you… Wha… I mean, are you… ugh!” She gave up trying to formulate a coherent sentence and threw her arms around Logan. “Hi, Maggie,” he said. “Sorry to break up the reunion, but what’s going on with Mariah?” Sammy asked. “Oh, right,” Maggie said, backing away from Logan. “She’s awake.” We exploded into a ball of excitement. “Let’s get going, then,” Melissa said, refocusing our attention on getting to Mariah as fast as possible.
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiGbOJCImd
We all crowded into the elevator. Juliet came with us, even though she had no idea what was going on. None of us wanted to stay back with her. We didn’t need to worry about holding on in the elevator. We were squished so close together that no one was moving. When we finally got to Mariah’s room, Melissa couldn’t get the door open fast enough. We spilled into the room. A few doctors were already in the room, monitoring Mariah. She was sitting up, kind of, and was following Jasmine around with her eyes. One of the doctors approached Melissa. “Hello, my name is Dr. Kedia. Mariah is doing great. I’d say, in a few days she’ll be able to go back to her room, and should be talking normally by then, maybe even by the end of today. Maybe a couple weeks or so or so before she’s regained full control of her motor skills. She should be up and walking without assistance within that time frame, as well. We’re not yet sure how much she remembers of the events in the few hours or minutes leading up to the accident, but we should be able to figure it out soon. Is this her mom?” Dr. Kedia asked, pointing to Jasmine. “Yes, I am. I’m so glad to hear she’s doing alright. I feel terrible that I haven’t been able to be more involved with all of this.” Mariah’s eyes flicked over to Jasmine. She started whimpering, trying to communicate. “What is it, Mariah?” I asked, walking away from Dr. Kedia, Jasmine, and Melissa. She started mumbling gibberish under her breath and humming. “Are you okay? Does something hurt?” She shook her head, and pointed at Jasmine for a second, before dropping her hand. “It’s something about Jasmine?” I suggested. She nodded vigorously. “Jasmine, what did you say?” I asked. Jasmine thought for a moment, then said, “I said that I’m happy she’s doing better. I wish I could have seen her more.” Mariah nodded again, and I thought I understood. “Jasmine, I believe Mariah is mad at you.” Jasmine frowned when Mariah pointed at me. Yes, she was trying to say. I am mad at you. 166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhdqeYHxhm
