Across the city, in a high-end restaurant, Mr. Henry arrived and checked his phone.
"I made a reservation under the name 'Beast,'" the text read.
Mr. Henry sighed, pocketing his device. Who makes a reservation under a name like that? he wondered.
"Excuse me, sir, can I help you?" A young waitress approached. She looked like a teenager, her smile bright with the nervous energy of a new recruit.
"Yes, I have a reservation," Henry replied.
"The name, sir?"
Henry took a deep breath, feeling the absurdity of the word. "Beast."
The girl's eyes widened, but she recovered quickly. "Of course. Please, follow me." She tried to hold her laughter, Mr. Henry noticed it.
She led him to a private dining room—the kind usually reserved for billionaires. So, he booked the VIP suite, Henry thought.
Mr. Henry heard the same waiter girl telling someone, "There was a grown man, he made a reservation under the name Beast."
The other girl laughed, "So, some adults are still kids."
Inside the room, Mr. Henry clenched his fists Damn that fat fish. Why did used the name Beast. He thought.
Food arrived minutes after he was seated. Not wanting to wait, Henry began to eat. I'd better start now, he mused. If that big man shows up, there won't be a scrap left.
He was only a few bites in when the door swung open. A massive figure stepped in, face obscured by a surgical mask and a baseball cap.
Here comes trouble, Henry thought. It was the same man he had met at the apartment a while ago, he had book on his face.
"Henry, dude! Sorry for the wait," Beast said, his muffled voice booming.
Henry gestured for him to sit. Beast dropped into the chair opposite him, sitting in a rare moment of silence as he studied Henry.
"So, Henry, why'd you call me here so late?" Beast asked.
Henry spoke calmly. "Actually, you were the one who told me to come to your house, then texted me to meet here instead."
"Oh! Right. Forgot," Beast chuckled. "Anyway, are you free?"
"No," Henry replied flatly.
"Why not?"
"I'm busy with school. The hiking trip starts the day after tomorrow."
"Where to?"
"The mountains. The administration wants to test the students' survival skills."
Beast let out a raucous laugh. "Damn. The guy in charge is a cruel man, testing kids who care about nothing but chasing girls."
"Well," Henry shrugged. "What can I say?"
Beast's laughter died down. He leaned in. "Anyway, I needed you free for a reason."
"First, tell me: how long is this trip?"
"I'm not sure, but I think about a week," Henry said.
Beast nodded and abruptly stood up.
"Where are you going?" Henry asked.
"Home," Beast replied with a mysterious grin. "I'll tell you everything once you're back. The news is going to shock you."
As Beast turned to leave, his eyes caught the spread of food on the table. He paused, then sat right back down. Henry sighed, standing up to leave.
"Okay, bye, big man."
Beast merely nodded, already reaching for a plate.
The next morning, Madison woke up feeling like a shell of herself. Her nervous system felt frayed; her eyes were puffy, her skin felt tight and dry, and a dull ache throbbed behind her temples.
She dragged herself to the washroom. Looking in the mirror, she forced a smile, trying to pretend she was fine. By the time she emerged in her school uniform, Allen was already downstairs waiting.
The walk to school was silent. Allen glanced at Madison, noticing she was lost in thought. I really don't know how to comfort people, he admitted to himself.
"Madison!" a voice chirped from behind.
They turned to see Daisy running toward them, with Ethan trailing slowly behind, his expression as unreadable as a blank wall.
Great timing, Daisy, Allen thought, a small, relieved smile touching his lips.
Daisy threw her arms around Madison as if they were long-lost sisters. "A very, very good morning to you!"
Madison gave a weak nod. "Good morning, Daisy."
Daisy didn't miss the sadness in her friend's eyes. She shot a knowing look at Allen. "We're going to head on ahead," she announced.
Before Allen could respond, Daisy grabbed Madison's hand and pulled her forward. Allen watched them go. Daisy is reliable, he thought. Hopefully, she can get through to her.
A heavy hand landed on his shoulder. "Morning," Ethan said.
"Morning," Allen replied, and the two boys followed.
Inside the school, Madison opened her locker to change her shoes. A slip of paper fluttered out. She narrowed her eyes and read the single line: BEHIND THE SCHOOL. She sighed and tucked the letter away, unaware that Ethan had seen the whole thing from over her shoulder.
In the classroom, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation. Finn arrived late, nodding to Ethan before they both took their seats. Moments later, Mr. Henry entered, placing a stack of papers on the lectern.
"Good morning, students," Henry said. After the class responded, he continued, "As you know, your trip is tomorrow."
The room buzzed with excitement until Henry raised a hand. "But this isn't a normal trip. Participation is mandatory for everyone. All three year levels will be going together."
The students erupted into chatter.
"Man, he scared me. I thought he was going to say we couldn't go because of our grades!" one student laughed.
"The only problem is having the seniors there," another whispered.
"What about Juniors?"
"Nah, they are kids."
Mr. Henry ignored the noise, shooting a sharp look at Ethan. Ethan met his gaze with characteristic calm. "Students," Henry spoke calmly. "Let's begin the class."