There was a moment of silence on the other side of the phone. “Uh, well, I appreciate your input, Doug, but this is actually your only option. Your aunt already has your room set up and has enrolled you in a private school in Miami Beach.”

“Miami Beach? Like, in Florida?”

“Well, yes, that’s where your aunt lives. I know it will be an adjustment, but the weather is beautiful in Florida.”

Doug reached over and clicked his phone off.

“DOUG! Did you just hang up on her?”

“Yeah. Should I block her?” He scrolled to his phone settings, but I grabbed his wrist before he could finish.

The phone rang again. I put my hand on Doug’s shoulder. “Answer it.”

“Awww, man!” He put it on speaker again.

“Doug? I’m sorry, for some reason we got cut off.”

“Hello, Ms. Schmidt. Yeah, sorry. That was my fault.”

“That’s okay. So, Doug, I’d like to come and meet with you tomorrow. I know our official meeting wasn’t for a couple of weeks yet, but the sooner we get you to your new home the better. School starts down there in a week. Can I come to your house in the afternoon?”

“MY HOUSE?” Doug looked over at me, stuck his hands out like wings, and curled one leg up. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Oookay. Would another location work better?”

I pointed to my floor. Doug raised his eyebrows.

“We could meet in my friend Arcade’s room.”

I shook my head and pointed to my bedroom door.

“Uh, no. I mean my friend Arcade’s house. It’s just three doors down from my place.”

“Oh, yes. The Livingston’s. I have their address right here in my file. That would be fine. Would four o’clock work?”

“Would four o’clock work?” Doug looked like he was going to faint. “I guess.”

“Great! I’ll give you more details when we meet. This is going to be a great new start for you, Doug. You may want to start packing your things. I’m hopeful we can finalize the paperwork and get you a one-way flight to your new home in Miami by the end of next week.”

*  *  *

“Arcade, what am I gonna do? I don’t want to move to Florida!” Doug and I plodded all the way down to the greenstone to check on Flames.

My mind raced.

What can I do? I don’t want my best friend to move.

I pulled my token out from under my shirt and held it between my hands.

This would be a good time for you to show me your power.

Nothing happened. Not even a spark. In fact, the token felt so cold, it sent shivers through my body, even though it was at least ninety degrees out!