How I’m going to stop the guys, I don’t know. I just know that if I don’t find out more, I definitely can’t do anything

OF course, after I’ve counted down the moments until dismissal and my mind is churning with thoughts and plans for the evening, Mr. Berg decides it’s the perfect time to call me over to discuss the work I’ve missed.

“So Yair, it’s good to have you back in class. We missed you,” he says jovially, and I’m not sure how to respond — Yes, I sure missed it, too? Ha.

I opt for a closemouthed small smile, and Mr. Berg pulls out a stack of papers, handing them to me with a flourish.

“I wanted to make things easier for you catching up with what you missed. I know you have a lot on your plate,” he says, and there’s a flash of sympathy in his eyes that lets me know he means a lot more than schoolwork. Oh, boy, another one on my case.

“Thanks, but really, I’m okay,” I say.

“Good, good,” Mr. Berg says, fluttering his hands. At least he doesn’t seem intent on getting me to talk, or, I don’t know, expect me to burst out crying or something. “I think you’ll find these helpful, though. We can look through them together if you want, and I’ll explain each part.”

“Thanks,” I say, stuffing the whole wad into my backpack. “I… I’m gonna try it myself, my friends can help me also—”

“Are you sure? It’s a lot of material.”

I think of my bike, waiting outside, all ready for the mission I’ve set myself. I just want to get out of here before my nerves explode.

“Yeah, I’ll be fine,” I say.

“I trust if you need any support, you’ll turn to myself or another member of staff? With the work or with anything.”

I give Mr. Berg a practiced, wide-eyed smile. “Thanks, but I’m all good.”

“That’s fine then,” he says, and gives me a little wave as I leave.

Finally.