Hiro’s class ends and I get up to leave.

“Back in your seat,” He says, pushing me back into my chair. I knew this was coming and I’ve not been looking forward to it. Looking down at the ground, I see his white sneakers in front of me, bright against his dark suit.

“What do you think you’re doing?” he asks in a deeper voice than usual.

I don’t say anything.

He crouches down until he’s looking up at me.

“I know what you’re doing, West. It’s stupid and you’re not stupid. I don’t want you to do this. Listen to me, son.”

Son. He called me son. No ward is ever called son. A rush like a wave roars through me and my muscles go limp, like some key that was keeping me wound up has suddenly been untwisted.

“I’m so sorry,” I say in who knows what language. Now my lips are quivering and I’m shaking. I hide my face because I’m making a complete mauron of myself. Why can’t I stop shaking? I squeeze my fingertips into my scalp to make it stop, but it doesn’t.

Hiro waits quietly. For seconds, minutes, years.

“I don’t want you to do this,” he repeats.

“I know,” I say with my head down.

He stays silent because there’s nothing more either of us can say. He’s right. But, I’m not going to change my mind. I’m leaving and I’m leaving with Jael.