She looked at him sadly. “I get it. Still, you could have told me. I’ve seen your memories of potty training. There’s nothing you can’t tell me, Fort.”

Nothing except— he thought, then immediately cut himself off, his eyes widening.

“Wait, what was that?” she said, jumping up off the bed. “What are you hiding? Something about going alone, and what Cyrus told you would happen.”

Fort winced. This was exactly the reason he hadn’t mentioned any of this to her. He said… he said that if I went alone, I could bring him back, but that it’d be dangerous. That I might get hurt. That was it. That’s why I didn’t want to tell you.

Okay, it wasn’t the full truth, but it was close and all he could afford to let her know.

Even that much was probably over the line. “Are you kidding?” she screamed. “He told you that you might get hurt? But you’re not going to do the safe thing and bring the others, because no, Fort Fitzgerald can’t let anyone help him, not even to keep him safe!”

Because it would mean putting them in danger! he shouted back. How is that better? At least this way I’m the only one taking the chance!

“But what if—”

There isn’t a what if, not according to Cyrus! There are only two options: I lose a friend, or I might get a few scratches. That’s no choice at all.

She looked away. “And that’s why I had to use my magic on him, to make him think he saw you destroying the books instead of using them, because you couldn’t have him telling the others. I still hate that we did that.”

I know, me too, Fort thought, and he did, honestly. Cyrus was his best friend, but he knew that the boy couldn’t keep a secret to save his life, and if it got out that Fort was going, this would all fall apart.

She sighed and turned back toward Fort. “Fine. I don’t agree with this, but at least I get now why you’re hiding it from them.” She looked down at his hands, which had clenched into fists. “But you’re about to claw through your sheets, you’re so anxious. Why don’t I magic you to sleep or something? I promise I’ll wake you up at the right time, and then you won’t be sitting here for hours about to explode.”

Still angry, Fort started to say what a terrible idea that was, but even in his annoyance he knew she was right. He should really be at his freshest when he got to the dimension where his father was being held. And if nothing else, he wouldn’t be sitting here waiting for another few hours. Okay, he said. And thanks. Just make sure…