Oliver walked alongside Professor Amethyst, his gaze on his shoes, his mood morose. They entered the sixth dimension and Oliver took in the sight of the miraculous room, knowing it would be the last time he would enter it. All around him, orbs glittered in the blackness. It was a beautiful sight.

I have created a wormhole, the headmaster explained, as he led Oliver deeper into the darkness. One that will take you back to your timeline.

Olivers mouth dropped open. You mean to say this will lead me straight home?

The headmaster nodded. It will take you directly to the factory.

Thank you, Oliver said with deep gratitude.

But Professor Amethysts expression remained stoic. Wormholes are not things that can easily be created. I wouldnt do it for just anyone, but for you Oliver, I think the risk is worth it. You must act fast, though. This is a one-time wormhole and will expire very soon.

Oliver nodded and took a deep, sad breath. He touched the amulet Professor Amethyst had gifted him and felt that it was burning hot beneath his fingertips. Professor Amethyst pushed the door open.

Oliver blinked in surprise at the surreal sight of the factory storeroom just on the other side. A sort of shimmering film seemed to be all that separated this point in space to that one.

How will I get back? Oliver asked.

Professor Amethyst studied him gravely.

You wont, he said.

The finality in his voice shook Oliver to his core.

This is a one-time-only wormhole, Professor Amethyst stressed again. Once you step through, the door will disappear from existence entirely. It will not lead you back to the school. Do you understand?

Oliver looked back at the headmaster. I understand.

Oliver felt overwhelmed with gratitude for the time hed spent at the School for Seers. Without Professor Amethyst, none of this would have happened. Hed never have made such amazing friends in Walter, Ralph, Simon, Hazel, and Esther, nor had the opportunity to learn about who he was and hone his skills. Hed even finally found a sport he loved in switchit! Thanks to the school, he would now have memories he could cherish forever, not to mention powers he could continue to develop.

Thank you for everything, he stammered.

Professor Amethyst nodded. Youre welcome, Oliver. And good luck.

Oliver turned back and looked through the doorway at the store cupboard. The thought of leaving the school was almost too much to bear. He may never come back to this place, never see his friends or teachers again. The future was so uncertain. He had no idea what was waiting for him on the other side of that door. How hed changed the future.

But now was the time to be brave. If hed learned anything, it was to be bold, be confident, to trust himself. And so he squeezed the amulet in his fist tightly and took a big step into the wormhole.