Tristan sat beside Hunter in the back of Thomas’s car, folding her forth crane. Number three was swaying in the air ahead of them, ready to drop at any moment. It dipped so close to the ground, Hunter was sure it was done for, but Tristan’s hands froze and it shot back into the air.

“Should we take a break?” Thomas asked from behind the wheel. “We can wait out this one, but you should rest before sending out another.”

“I’m fine.” Tristan sighed. “I just… didn’t realize it was so far away.”

Thomas nodded. “They must have moved.”

K turned around in the passenger seat to look back at the girls, his face coated with worry. When he saw Tristan struggling to catch her breath, he whimpered. “I think stopping is a good idea.” He said softly.

Thomas glanced at the rear-view mirror before pulling onto the shoulder of the road and they all got out. The truck behind them pass and pulled over a few meters ahead. The driver’s door opened and Lucas stepped out. Dan and Michael got out from the other side.

The crane hung in the air for another moment, then fell into Lucas’s hands as he passed under it. “Is everything alright?” He asked when he reached them.

“Tristan’s exhausted.” K said frantically. “Are all abilities this draining? I’ve never had a problem before.”

“Some are.” Hunter rubbed the back of her neck, glancing between Tristan and the car. “Manipulating other things usually drains a person’s energy.”

Dan nodded along. “Will get’s really tired if he makes a bunch of plants grow at the same time.”

“That must suck.” K sat on the grass with a sigh.

Thomas sat beside him and chuckled. “That’s life. We expend energy to be able to do things. Our abilities are no different.” He brought a hand up to the side of his mouth to stage a whisper. “Except Hunter’s.”

“Hey!” Hunter laughed and nudged her brother’s shoulder playfully.

Tristan cleared her throat, calling everyone’s attention. “I’m fine.” She took a shaking step back toward the car. “We should get going.”

“Amber made cookies.” Michael interrupted, producing a container from his bag. “Let’s take a break.” Everyone sat in a circle and, after a moment, Tristan joined them.

Michael passed around the cookies. He told them that they were supposed to be a welcome present for K, but that plan had been interrupted.

When the cookies made their way to Tristan, Hunter felt a prickling sensation in the back of her mind. She scratched her head, but it wasn’t an itch. She looked to her brother for assistance, but he was distracted by K’s new feline ears. She turned back to Tristan and the feeling got stronger.

What’s happening? She thought at the same time Tristan asked “What’s in them?”

Michael frowned and looked down at the treats. “Uh, chocolate chips?”

Thomas finally looked over. He saw the outstretched box and Tristan’s hesitation and put out his arm. “Tristan can’t eat any.”

“Why not?” Lucas asked, his mouth full.

“I’m allergic to dairy.” Tristan explained.

At once, Michael pulled the container away. Dan, who was sitting on Tristan’s other side, scooted away, holding his cookie farther from her. The air was tense as they all waited to see if she’d be okay.

She offered a half-smile. “I have to eat it.” She stated. The tension evaporated and everyone returned to their light conversations.

Tristan met Hunter’s gaze. For the first time, Hunter noticed the traces of red in the other girl’s brown eyes. Something about those eyes made the prickling sensation return.