Alice grimaced. The trouble with keeping secrets was the fallout that was bound to happen upon their reveal. There was so little time left, though, and Sloane still thought they would be sharing a room again next year. She still believed they would move beyond this strange, tense patch they were in and be friends once more.

It would've been easier to reveal had Sloane remained in the washroom. Aside from Edison, every time she admitted to not returning after summer in person it hadn't gone well. Cameron had insisted she would find a way to stay. Calla was furious that Alice had so readily accepted her fate. Mr. Wildsmith was constantly belittling her for the choice last year. Alice didn't want to tell Sloane — she didn't want to tell anyone.

But, she had to.

"Or me." Alice added, flinching as she did so. "I won't be here, either."

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