#bergen_county

He looks a bit ill

She blanches a bit. “It must... really suck too see all that. And not be able to help...”

"Beyond words in any language I speak" he sighs, then he flashes teeth "But the world doesn't need to hear what I see, shouldn't have to, so I smile, and my smile" He smiles "Is a shield for others from what I know. I name no names even when I let that slip. I must keep control, but trust me when I say..." and the smile vanishes "Education saves more than it ever traps or ruins"

“If I... promise to try harder? I can’t promise I’ll do well. Or graduate. But I... admit, I haven’t really been trying.” A small flush of embarrassment. “Can you cut me a little slack?”

"I think you deserve more slack than I gave you, that's for sure" he nods "And I appreciate the promise, but it's not .. I' don't want to guilt you into an oath or anything. I do appreciate you trying more than you were. Sometimes a few steps, matters, right? Can't get anywhere without a few. " He offers his hand "I'm sorry if I came in like I was going to tear the roof down and blah blah. It wasn't what I meant to come out, but it clearly did. You need lessons, I'm available, and if you're more comfortable with another style, I know folks. Up to you if you take me or them up on that. I think you're smarter htan you klnow but I get it, school life balance is a hard road to walk"

"But to answer your question, yes. I will cut more slack, and sorry I made you feel unslacked in the first place" A nod

She takes his hand with a hesitant shake. “... I know you can’t help everyone... but that girl you mentioned? Is... what you see set in stone, or can it yet be changed? Like in the Christmas carol... maybe she can be... nudged? Mused, just a touch, to point her another way?”

His face grows grim again, "In five years, one month I might make a difference. Might nudge her. That's all I can say"

She frowns, looking thoughtful.

"yeah ,sorry, Beaumayn is a great house. I don't recommend joining it if you want to be happy"a shrug

“Why did you?”

"Because a friend was bearing a load alone, and even when I discovered she was not as alone as I thought, it was still so immense that when offered a chance to help bear it, I did. Because it has to be borne by someone, and if no one does it... well, dreaming wise? Game over" The hand shake was brief, firm, sincere and is long done. "But I didn't come here to gloom you out. Thanks for listening to me."

“Yeah... you gave me some stuff to think about.

"It's a dirty trick teachers do sometime" he nods "See you around" And he heads to the door

“Yeah... see ya.”

And gone

Though she was going to be an influencer, he said. That might, if she chooses to ask around, tell who the girl is

But does she really want to know?

She thinks about it. Dropped out of school recently, shouldn’t be that hard to find a name. And it can’t hurt to just ask...

Heck, any Boggan is probably happy to recycle THAT story

Hm. A text to Lucia asking... and she notices the message from Adam. A grin.

TXT: Do you mean Andra? She quit last semester. Gonna be a Social Influencer

Txt: yeah, Andra! I thought I’d get her opinion on a club I heard about. Anyone got her number?

TXT Bet I can find it for you. Need this right away?

Txt: as long as it’s not 5 years?

Txt: (winky face)

TXT: Ha. Have it by this evening

And this leaves Piper with.. thoughtful calm, and a tet from her kinian squeeze

Hm. She turns back on her headphones, thoughtfully. Things to ponder.

--------------

*****************************
Adam pounds up the stairs to his room, flinging the door open and entering.

There is no Nabuni

There is, however, a Flopsy!

Adam stops, blinking at the rabbit Chimera.

"Where's Nab?"

The rabbit looks up "Oh, sorry, I came here to fetch something for her... she won't be in tonight."

"Is she ok? What does she need?"

"Chimera stuff. Don't worry about it," THe rabbit bends down under the bed, but one ear twists while he digs so the open ear is facing Adam

"I'm -going- to worry about it, she's my friend. Is she ok?"

"Oh yes, she's fine. Ah ha, found it."

"What?"

"nuffin imporfant" He says as something is in his cheeks

"What are you -eating-??" Adam approaches.

"Nof eating, holfing in my cheeves" he hops towards the door

"What did you take?" Adam follows him.

He hops dow nthe hallway "thu fing Nab vanted" Mouthfull

"What did she want??"

"Th fing in my mouf, duh"

The dignfied chimera seems to think that was a silly question

"Well. Will she be back tomorrow?" Adam asks, sounding forlorn.