I gripped the knob and entered, ordering my heart to stop racing. Tried to tell myself this had nothing to do with the blog.

Don’t you want it to be about the blog?

The conflict clashed in my chest—yes, the goal was to rile up Tanner, but I’d never planned on getting caught. Why else would I venture to the dark web? Risk being expelled and kiss a potential acceptance letter from MIT goodbye? I just wanted…

What?

To help.

To do whatever little part I could to comfort someone when they were feeling alone.

To be someone who listened to classmates who had been ignored far too often at Wilmont.

To fill a role that was missing from this academy.

And this past month… I couldn’t explain it. I felt stronger, less empty, and more fulfilled than I had since Brandon. I knew it had everything to do with the blog, with the comfort and soothing satisfaction through sharing stories, experiences, and advice with people who needed it. The idea that I might be making a difference.

“Hey there,” Ms. Howard said as I walked in. “Have a seat, please.” She indicated the lush chair in front of her slightly chaotic desk.

I sank into it, keeping my voice in check. “What’s up?”

She worked her fingers across her keyboard for a moment before focusing on me, her long red hair pulled up in an elegant topknot. “I wanted to see how you were feeling about your senior year.”

The breath left my lungs so fast I nearly fainted.

Ms. Howard registered the relief and tilted her head. “What did you think I wanted?”

I shook my head, shrugging. “I’m not sure, but originally I thought Tanner wanted to see me.”

Howard sucked her teeth, a slight hissing sound escaping as she did. “Sorry about that,” she said. “I know that likely caused you some stress.” She scribbled something down on a pink Post-it before looking back at me. “I’ll do better to emphasize who is calling you here next time.”

“Will there be a next time?” We’d only spoken a handful of times throughout last school year, she only having worked at Wilmont for the past two years.

She smiled. “I truly hope so, Amber.” Her green eyes were inviting, open, and actually looked like she cared. It was a wonderful contrast to Tanner’s normal suspicious looks. “Anyway,” she continued. “While our principal is away, working so hard to keep ties with the district board…” She ran over the last words a little sarcastically, but I totally could’ve imagined it. “I wanted to take the chance to speak to as many of the seniors as possible.”

I raised my eyebrows. “Okay.”

She sighed. “I know things at Wilmont are difficult at times. That the relationships between students and teachers or the principal aren’t as nurturing as they could be.”