Becoming Great Novels & Stories

She steps back, already turning away, but not before adding, “And you will be invaluable.” Mae looks at me then, eyes bright and overwhelmed. “So… fire, regret, and peace.” I manage a small smile. “Sounds about right.” As we shoulder our bags and prepare to leave, I can’t shake the feeling that whatever we were before—girls searching for answers—no longer exists. We didn’t just become monsters. We became something else entirely.

“That’s not what this is about.” “Yes, it is,” I said, my voice shaking. “And if you punish me for existing, you’re proving everyone right about this place.” Mr. Sutton leaned forward. “We’re not punishing you, Elias. We’re asking you to consider the consequences of making yourself a target.” I stood up. “I already am a target. But I’m not going to make myself small just to make bigots comfortable.” Hargrove’s eyes narrowed. “Be careful, son. Pride can make you bold — but it can also make you a problem.”