I strain to catch a glimpse of Jane, who has entered the far side of the cafeteria. I notice the contrast between this year and last, how her thin frame looks noticeably healthier than it did last year when she was grieving the loss of her son, and she’s smiling as she takes the mic from Principal Fleischer. I can’t imagine two more dissimilar people. Jane, who has been like a surrogate mother to me all these years, and Fleischer, who has been helping Ransom with his abhorrent experiment.

“Thank you, Principal Fleischer,” Jane says into the mic.

“Did you know about this?” I ask Ollie under my breath.

“Yes, but she swore me to secrecy.”

I almost call him out for not telling me, before I realize how hypocritical that would be.

“Wait, I thought your mom got a business degree,” Pru whispers.

“She did,” Ollie answers. “She was a teacher before that.”

“I’ll keep this short,” Jane says. “I’m saddened by the news of Headmaster Ransom’s illness, but I’m pleased I can be of service to the school. I attended Darkwood as a young woman, and some of the best memories of my life were made here. I also managed to get into quite a bit of trouble that ended in my fair share of duty,” she adds. “I’m looking forward to shepherding all of you through this year, bearing in mind Darkwood’s founding tenets: loyalty, excellence, identity, and inclusion.” Her eyes settle on the bulletin board boasting the DAAM flyers.

“I’ll admit I have an ulterior motive,” Jane continues, and I think I hear a tremor in her voice. “As you may know, I had the scare of my life last year. I am immeasurably grateful that my son has been returned in full health to me, and to his life here at school. I’m sure you can’t blame me for wanting to keep a close eye on him.” Students smile, and a few clap. “Oliver, forgive me, but I couldn’t bear to be so far away from you, not when I just got you back.” There are cheers now from students all around us. Ollie smiles and gives a little wave.

“Will we have to call her Headmistress Ward?” I joke to him and Pru.

“I think I’ll stick to ‘Mom,’” Ollie mutters.

Jane ends her speech with some final words. “I’ll leave you to finish your breakfast. Don’t hesitate to stop by my office at any time, with questions, concerns, or constructive feedback. Not on the food, though; I have no control over the in vitro meat,” she adds lightly, garnering another round of laughs from the student body. Principal Fleischer plasters on a tight smile.