I ponder Max’s question and think back to Mom’s advice. I shouldn’t go somewhere private with him. But I want to.

“Okay,” I say and let him lead me away from the classroom and away from the crowded hallway.

Once we are down in the basement where only the art class is, Max turns to face me. Art class is over for today so the basement is empty. I touch my necklace but I don’t feel any overwhelming sense of danger. I’m just nervous in the usual high ...