Oliver nodded gravely. He left the sixth dimension, heading to the elevator. As he rode down to the ground floor he fought back his tears. How could he say goodbye to his friends? How could he face them knowing he may never see them again? That saying goodbye to them now may be for the last time?

He reached the food court. But before he even entered, the doors opened. Out streamed his friends.

Oliver! Ralph cried, surprised. We were just coming to look for you.

Oliver turned his eyes down to the ground. Like Esther, they must have sensed something was awry. Surely they hadnt had time to eat a thing, instead choosing to seek him out.

With a spark of grief inside of him, he looked from one face to the next. The thought of saying goodbye to them was so painful it was almost enough to make Oliver change his mind. But the feeling that he was supposed to go was too strong. It was like a magnet pulling him to the factory.

Im leaving, he said, cutting straight to the chase, ripping off the Band-Aid in one go.

There was no hubbub, no disagreement. It was as if theyd all silently come to the same conclusion. But the sense of loss was tangible, and it swelled up within the silence.

Were not going to be able to change your mind, are we? Simon said.

Oliver shook his head.

Even if we tell you youre being an idiot, Hazel added. There was no cruelness in her tone, just tears shining in her gray eyes.

Oliver laughed sadly and shook his head.

Or if I told you youd be breaking the rules again? Ralph added.

Oliver shook his head again.

Will you stick around for one last game of switchit? Walter asked.

I cant, Oliver said, the sadness inside him growing deeper and deeper.

Esther stepped forward. You promised me a second date, she said. Her voice cracked.

I know, Oliver replied. Im sorry. But who knows what the future holds. I might be back one day.

Ralph clapped a hand down on Olivers shoulder.

Good luck, he said, his eyes brimming with fought back tears.

Oliver embraced him. Then suddenly arms were all around him, holding him tightly, surrounding him with love and acceptance and friendship. He could stay in this moment forever, Oliver thought, drinking in the feelings of care and warmth hed craved his whole life. But there was a greater purpose. His duty as a Seer demanded it. Armando needed to live. For the sake of the universe and everything within it, he would have to sacrifice his friends.

He pulled out of the hug, too pained to look over at them one last time. Then he turned and hurried away.

CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN