Page 137 of Resurgent

Sasha grabs a fry from Mattey’s plate and launches it across the table. “And when you said you needed another fork!”

“I really did need one! Mine fell, and I’m pretty sure it’s lost forever under Matt’s bed now.”

Ian ducks when Emily launches more snacks in his direction, and he’s laughing so hard he nearly knocks over his drink.

“You people are violent!”

As we slowly calm down, a thought strikes me.

“Ian, if you’ve been cheating this entire time, how are you losing so horribly?” I ask, sending us all into another wave of laughter as he tries, and fails, to come up with an excuse.

Once we’ve all gathered ourselves and Sasha’s reminded me it’s still my turn, she claps her hands, proudly announcing she’s heard a new rumor about the bear attacks.

A collective groan sounds around the table.

“Oh, come on,” Sasha says. “You know you want to hear it.”

“I really don't,” Ian says, looking to me for backup I wish I could give, but I can’t.

The truth is, I’ve tried eavesdropping each time I have heard even the slightest mention of the attacks—something frighteningly rare considering how much everyone here loves to spread drama.

“Ooo! Let’s hear it.”

Sasha's eyes light up as she wiggles in her seat, ready to spill the tea. “So, apparently the bears aren’t trying to hurt people…”

Ian frowns. “I don’t understand?”

“Do they think the bears are trying to have a tea party but just keep getting the menu wrong? Like, ‘Oh no, that’s not a biscuit. That’s a recruit.’”

“As I was saying…” she says, glaring at Mattey and shutting him up. “Rumor is they're looking for something.”

“Looking for what?” Emily asks, though the words could have come from any of us as we all wait on bated breath.

“I don't know…”

“What kind of rumor is that? Who doesn’t give a theory?”

“It’s a mystery! And it’s more than you know,” Sasha laughs, her tongue sticking out at Em’.

“Uhm, excuse me! I happen to know a few very important things about the attacks.”

“Like what?” Theo asks curiously, missing the mischievous smile on her face.

Emily holds up a finger.

“First: Bears are terrifying.”

“Fair,” he chuckles.

“Second: I could absolutely outrun one.”

“No, you couldn't,” Ian says.

She holds up a third finger, conveniently her middle. “And third: Even if I can't outrun them, I can at least outrun two of you!”

“Someone told me they're enchanted!” Theo says, causing Matt to snort.

“Enchanted? You mean like pooping glitter and peeing rainbows?”