When we arrive at the library’s front steps, Maude and Pippa are already there, talking quietly to each other. Ansel moves up with Jago, followed by Theodora. Ollie’s right on their heels.

“We saw it,” Maude says brusquely, before I can even ask. “It’s payback, of course, for what I did to Harlowe yesterday. Embarrassing her in public.”

“It was bound to come out,” Ansel says softly. “I’m surprised no one found out sooner. You did,” he addresses me. “That day at the lake last year. But—”

“But I didn’t tell a soul,” I remind him. “I would never.”

“We know,” Pippa says, brushing away a tear. “And yes, I saw my door. It wasn’t only me. There were messages for all of us.”

“I’ve already told my mom,” Ollie jumps in. “She took pictures, and she’s informed the administration. She won’t tolerate this.”

“But can she stop it?” I ask. “Harlowe’s not the only one who thinks this way. She’s getting all this ammunition and encouragement from her parents, probably. And lawmakers who want clones to leave the country, permanently.”

“So we’ll fight back,” Theodora says.

“Or we’ll ignore it,” Maude says sternly.

“Look at this,” Jago says, pulling a scrap of paper from his pocket. “It was in my bag when I woke up.”

He shows us a message, written in messy scrawl.

Like it here? Great. Enjoy it while u can

That’s all it says, but I instantly get the subtext.

“It’s a deportation threat.” Jago sighs.

“An empty one,” I remind him. “As long as you’re here at Darkwood, you belong in the States.”

“But we graduate in seven months,” Pippa interjects. “And what happens after that? If we even make it that long.”

It’s a quiet, chilly walk to the dining hall to grab breakfast. We ignore the stares and comments from kids all around us, who’ve obviously all read the blog post. I’m not surprised; that kind of propaganda would have gone viral in minutes. Some kids give us a wide berth. Others can’t stop looking at us. It’s like the Similars have arrived at Darkwood all over again. Only this time, I feel like one of them. Because you are.

We visit Jane in her office. She’s been here twenty-four hours and already looks the worse for wear. I hope she can handle the toll this job will take on her.

“The dorm room doors are being scrubbed clean,” she assures us. “I’m sorry you had to wake up to something so despicable.”

I’m alone in my room later that day. Pru’s off at crew practice.

When Ollie knocks on my door, I’ve been curled up for so long that I’m not surprised it’s already four o’clock in the afternoon.