The Coffin he’d used earlier chirped loudly across the room. He’d been sent a Bulletin message. He walked over and flipped on its NetScreen to see a simple message clearly displayed across its glowing blue surface.

A message from Helga.

It’s done.

CHAPTER 23

ONE MONTH LATER

1

Michael stood among friends.

Including Sarah’s parents.

“I’m sorry if I blamed you for her death,” Gerard said. He was standing with his arm wrapped tightly around his wife’s shoulders. “It was hard at first, seeing you come back safe and sound. Seeing you all over the NewsBops, being praised as a hero. I was selfish, I know. It just—” His voice hitched and tears filled his eyes. “It just hurts so much. I miss my baby girl.”

Michael’s heart ached as Sarah’s mom and dad embraced him, both of them shaking as they cried. They pulled away and took a step back.

“It’s not your fault,” her dad continued. “I know that. You’re a hero, and so was Sarah. If she had it all to do over again, I know she’d make the same choice. Every time.”

Michael could only nod, the grief too much. It probably wasn’t possible, but he sure felt like he missed her just as much as Gerard.

“We love you,” Nancy said with a sad smile. “You’ll always be like a son to us.” She paused, an uncertain look in her eyes. “Can we keep in touch?”

Michael did his best to smile. “Absolutely. You can visit me or message me….I’d like that.”

Gerard reached out and squeezed his shoulder, gave that manly nod only a dad can give to a boy in love with his daughter.

“Take care, son,” he said. “We’ll let you finish your goodbyes.”

They walked over to the side of the room, and Gabby stepped up to greet Michael.

“Hi,” she said, tears streaming down her face. It touched him. They’d grown a lot closer since the madness ended a month earlier, and he had no doubt they’d be friends for a very long time. “I can’t believe you’re leaving. It always seemed so far away.”

“Yeah.” He wrapped his arms around her and squeezed. “You better come hang out with me sometimes. Feel free to bring the boyfriend around, if you have to.”

She laughed, a short burst that came through her nose. “That’s gonna be weird, huh? It doesn’t even seem possible that you two haven’t met. So weird.”

“Oh, we’ve met,” Michael said, releasing her from the hug. It had felt so good. “In more ways than one. And hey, I know you. He can’t be too much of a dirtbag if he’s your special guy.”