He hands me something, and for a moment my brain can’t quite register what I’m looking at. It’s a glossy brochure with a picture of a boy looking into a telescope. I blink a few times and the title comes into focus. High School Astrophysics Program, BU.

“What’s this?” My heart is still stuttering.

“BU is Boston University,” Emma explains. “A few days ago I ran into an old college friend who told me about a friend of hers who works there. Her name is Professor Ishani Singh and she heads up the astronomy department.”

I stare at her. She stares back. How does this fit in with me being caught sneaking out?

“Um…,” I manage.

Simon jumps ahead. “I gave her a call. Professor Singh is the head of the entire astronomy undergrad program there. She’s really personable and unbelievably smart. I told her about you, and she had some really great ideas for astronomy programs that I think you might be interested in.”

Finally it all clicks. This conversation has nothing to do with me sneaking over to the witch’s house. I grip the edges of the table. I feel like I’ve narrowly avoided going over a cliff.

“Oh,” I say quickly, and now Emma is studying me. I try not to notice it, but her eyes are so creepily piercing, it’s hard not to. Why does it feel like she can see straight into my skull? I quickly bring my coffee cup to my mouth, trying to block her gaze.

Simon bangs his hand on the table, getting revved up in his Simon way. “There’s an astronomy program for rising seniors that you could attend in August for high school credit. It’s in Boston and—”

I try to focus, I really do, and Simon starts in on this very excited sales-pitchy talk but none of it will stick to my brain, I’m too relieved. No one knows that I was at the witch’s house. I haven’t lost my chance to get my notebook back and see the mermaid again.

Simon’s words pour over me, and I look up to see Emma still staring at me. Studying me. She knows I’m not following what Simon is saying, and she’s wondering why.

I quickly swivel my body toward Simon, doing my best to look engaged. Eventually there’s a silence that makes me think he’s finished. “Interesting,” I finally say. “I’ll look into it.”

He slides the stack of paper toward me. “Do you want to use our computer to look up the program’s website? The application deadline is coming up, but I think we can get it in on time, and Dr. Singh thinks you could be a great fit.”

The computer. I can ask for space to research the program. I jump to my feet. “Can I have some time now?”