The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the empty hallways of Willowbrook High School. In the twins' house, Jacob's presence was like a quiet echo, a reminder of the night's events.

Inside the twin's house

Jacob: Ugh, it's been hours since they left. Does it really take that long for College or School or whatever? Ugh, I need them to be back asap so I can leave. Ughhh.

Lunchtime at high school

"Eli: Hey, are you okay?"

...

"Eli: Elliot."

"Eli: Elliot!"

"Elliot: Huh??"

"Eli: I asked if you're okay."

"Elliot: Oh, um, guess I am?"

"Eli: Doesn't seem like it. Are you finally regretting letting a stranger into our house?"

"Elliot: Uhm, maybe..?"

"Eli: sigh Maybe you should listen to me more often, and we wouldn't get into this situation."

"Elliot: Maybe I should. You are wiser than me for some reason, even though I'm older."

"Eli: Haha, yes, you should listen to me more."

"Elliot: Um, hey, have you seen Alex?"

"Eli: Hm? Alexander?"

"Elliot: Yeah."

"Eli: No, I haven't seen him."

"Elliot: Hm, maybe that's fine, but where's Mia?"

"Eli: Mia? Yeah, that one's kinda weird."

"Elliot: Yeah, why wouldn't she come to lunch? She loves food."

"Eli: Yeah, she does, to the point it's concerning."

"Elliot: Hm, I'm gonna go look for her."

"Eli: Kay, be back soon, though. I don't like being alone."

"Elliot: Okay. I'll try to be back soon."

Elliot leaves the cafeteria and goes out into the hall

"Elliot: Hm, where should I start? Where would she go?"

Someone bumps into Elliot

"Elliot: Ah."

"Person: Oh, sorry."

"Elliot: Oh, Mr. Smith..?"

"Mr. Smith: Oh.. Hm.. You're Eli? Right?"

"Elliot: Uhm, no, I'm Elliot."

"Mr. Smith: Oh.. Elliot.."

"Elliot: ..."

"Mr. Smith: Oh well, I have paperwork to do, so I'll take my leave."

"Elliot: Wait, Mr. Smith!"

"Mr. Smith: Yes, what is it?"

"Elliot: Have you seen my friend? She's always with me. Her name is Mia, do you know where she might be?"

"Mr. Smith: Hm. The last time I saw her, she was with another student. Around where the teacher lounge is. I'm on my way there now, actually."

"Elliot. Uh, thank you, Mr. Smith."

"Mr. Smith: No problem."

Mr. Smith starts to walk away

"Elliot: Ugh, I hate that guy."

"Mr. Smith: Did you say something?"

"Elliot: Uh, no, Mr. Smith."

Mr. Smith continues to walk away

"Elliot: Mia was with another student? She never hangs around other people other than us. Hm, she might be with Alex, then."

Elliot heads down toward the teacher lounge and starts going into rooms around the area

Room 8

"Elliot: Mia, are you in here?"

"Mia: AHH."

"Elliot: Mia??"

Chapter End