She rose up on her toes, pressing her lips to his. “I think I can forgive you.”

He smiled, kissing her again.

“I do have bad news, though,” she said.

“What’s that?”

“Now we have to go all the way back down south.”

WEEKLY UPDATE WITH MAISIE ROJAS

HEY THERE, FOLKS, Maisie Rojas here with your weekly Q update.

It’s been a hell of a few weeks, but I’m pleased to report that things are finally running as usual over at the hospital. If you’ve been putting off your scans, please make sure to head on over there soon. They’re ready for you.

In other news, I am supposed to tell you to stop shooting down drones from the US. They are not amused by it. To quote this dude I talked to yesterday, “Those cost more than your house!” He has never seen my house, so I guess he’s just assuming.

On the other hand, I don’t actually care, and the drones are sort of creepy, so do whatever. Just try to shoot them in areas where the debris won’t hurt anyone.

Some good news—we finally got the food shipment from the north, so everyone who has been asking me about soda and those weird sour candies can stop bugging me now. We’re also working on a deal with the US to get food dropped directly into the south, so I will keep you all updated on that.

For all you kids, we’re starting a video exchange program with kids in the US. Far less creepy than drones. Sign up with our newest addition to the Q, Lennon Pierce.

And we’re trying another joint broadcast with the US tomorrow, so get ready for that. This one will feature Hadley Lopez, joined by Lennon. Should be very exciting.

Lennon: Is exciting the word? What are we even talking about tomorrow?

Maisie: I don’t know, it’s your broadcast!

Lennon: I should probably figure that out, huh?

Maisie: Either figure it out or Hadley will start telling some stories that no one should hear, on either side of the wall.

Lennon: On it.

Well, that’s it for me. Tune in tomorrow to find out if Lennon and Hadley know what they’re doing.

Stay safe and healthy out there, Q. Until next week, Maisie Rojas, signing off.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The road to The Q was a long, weird one, complicated by a real-life global pandemic that I thought would surely doom this book. Thank you to:

Emmanuelle Morgen, who believed in The Q when I didn’t and wouldn’t let me give up, even though I kept trying.

My editor, Emily Easton, and Claire Nist, for your excellent insight, which made this book so much better. I especially appreciate how you both wanted me to add more romance. Happy to oblige.

The whole team at Penguin Random House for working to get this book into the hands of readers.

My sister, Laura, and Emma and Daniel, who had to listen to me complain about my pandemic book during a global pandemic. You’re all very patient.