Chapter 30

             Tuesday morning, the San Leandro High wind ensemble finishes its final rehearsal together before that night’s Winter Concert. Simon manages to scrape by with the songs, and can tell Mr. Reese is a little disappointed. Of course, he can’t exactly use “being a superhero” as an excuse for why he hasn’t practiced as hard these days. He certainly can’t use that and the fact that he died and came back to life as why he’s a bit out of it, either.

            Zero Block lets out and Cyndi surprises Simon as she waits for him outside the school music room.

            “What’re you doing here this early?” he asks.

            “The return of the Spektrum, obviously,” she says. “That, and I couldn’t call you last night to figure this out, we haven’t exchanged numbers yet. We should do that, by the way.”

            “Oh,” he says nervously. “Right.”

            They take out their phones, and Cyndi is a bit surprised to see Simon has a flip phone while she has a smartphone.

            “Okay, so what’s your number?” she asks.

            “Uh… I forget.”

            “How could you not know your own number?” she asks with a laugh.

            “Well I don’t exactly give it out much,” he says, a little embarrassed.

            “Alright, I’ll put my number in,” she says as she takes his phone. “And then you call me, and that way I’ll have your number.”

            She goes to his phone’s menu and its contacts, and puts herself in as “Cyndi <3”. Or, she wants to, but then removes the heart emoticon.

            “And done,” she says as she finishes typing the digits.

            She hands Simon back his phone and he selects her number in his contacts to call. Her phone rings and she gets his number. She adds that to her contacts from there.

            “Okay, with that figured out,” she says, “let’s get to that return of Spektrum so that the world will know you’re okay!”

            “I mean, I guess…”

            “Okay, let’s go!” she says.

            Cyndi leads Simon by the hand and brings him around to the south stairwell of the science wing. They enter inside and then head right up to the top floor. Cyndi looks out into the hallway, and sees there’s no one around just yet.

            “Okay,” she whispers; the whisper echoes a bit because they’re in the stairwell. “We’re good. Go ahead and transform.”

            Simon nods, and becomes The Spektrum, Code Silver.

            “I like what it did to your hoodie,” Cyndi says.

            “Thanks,” he says as he admires the camo-flaunt. “This Spectralization ability is awesome.”

            “Okay, we need to prove you’re you and not another cosplayer or whatever,” Cyndi says.

            “Right,” he says. “Obviously, the light ropes.”

            He walks out into the hall and Cyndi follows, using her phone to record video. He bounds off the ropes as they magically appear.

            “Y’know, I really need to use this more,” he says.

            “Yeah, you should,” she chuckles. “Give me a few more of those, though.”

            The Spektrum runs the ropes a bit more times, from the end of the hall to a few yards down.

            “Okay, now give us some other Codes,” Cyndi says. “Maybe Code Red, show off that speed.”

            “Yeah, that’s a good idea,” he says.

            Spektrum keeps moving, and rebounds off the ropes again. He heads back to the other side, but stays Code Silver. He slows down to a stop after rebounding again.

            “What’s wrong?” Cyndi asks. “Why aren’t you Code Red?”

            “I… I can’t select him.”

            Cyndi stands still, a confused but concerned look on her face.

            “Can’t select him?” she says. “How is that possible? You were literally him the other day.”

            “I know that,” he says. “But, I’m telling you, I can’t select him now.”

            “Well, try one of the others.”

            “Okay, okay.”

            Spektrum thinks about becoming Code Blue, but still nothing happens.

            “What’s going on?” he says, starting to feel frustrated. “I can’t select him either.”

            He tries Code Yellow, but he doesn’t come up, either!

            Computer, Spektrum says in his head. What’s going on? Why can’t I be other Codes? Computer, what’s going on? Computer?!

            The voice known as “Computer” doesn’t respond.

            “What’s wrong?” Cyndi asks.

            “I… I can’t talk to Computer anymore…” he says with a confused and concerned expression on his own face.

            The bell rings, signaling the start of First Period. But given the shocking news, neither Cyndi nor The Spektrum heard it. It’s the sound of footsteps coming up the steps that snap them out of it. He turns back to Simon and Cyndi puts her phone away.

            “Um, okay,” she says as they go against the flow of students headed up. “Don’t worry about it right now. Maybe it has to do with how you… did what you did yesterday.”

            “Yeah, maybe,” he says. “It’s not like I’ve ever done… that, before.”

            “Right,” she says. “Maybe you just need time to recover.”

            “Yeah, that could be it,” he says. “If anything, we can try again during lunch or after school.”

            “Yeah, that’s fine,” she says. “See you then.”

            “See you then,” he repeats.

            The two exit the stairwell and head off to their first classes of the day.

            Simon has a hard time focusing in class. He barely puts on any real finishing touches on his graphic design projects, and barely pays attention in English class. Nothing happens, either, in terms of Zorb or his masked henchmen returning.

            Lunch comes and Simon meets with Cyndi outside the clubroom first.

            “I’m going to try again,” he whispers to her. “I’ll be in the restroom and text you if it works out.”

            “Okay,” she whispers back eagerly. “Good luck.”

            Simon heads down the hall while Cyndi goes into the club room.

            “Hi, Cyndi,” her friend, Jenny, greets as she walks in.

            “Hey, Jen,” Cyndi says. “What’s that form you’ve got?”

            “Oh, I got it from the counselor’s office this morning,” Jenny says. “It’s a permission form to hold a vigil for The Spektrum. We’re going to set up something near where The Spektrum… Where he… I mean, you know’d, you went over to him as he…”

            Jenny starts choking up and her eyes water.

            “Jenny, it’s okay,” Cyndi says as she hugs her friend. “And actually, thank you so much for doing this. I’m the club president. I should’ve been the one to get the form.”

            “It’s okay,” Jenny says with a sniffle. “It must’ve been way worse on you, being so close to him when he died…”

            “Yeah,” Cyndi says with a nod.

            Cyndi knows The Spektrum isn’t dead, because Simon’s alive. But Jenny getting emotional does remind her of having his blood on her hands and even staining her jeans. It was scary to have that happen, but it was all okay when she saw Simon again. If anything, that’s why she isn’t as sad, even though she should be.

            “Well, this is good,” Cyndi continues. “We can all mourn him together as a school and as a community.”

            I need to remember to be sad, she tells herself. If I’m not, people might suspect something.

            Meanwhile, Simon enters the Men’s Room and makes sure it’s completely empty. When he knows he’s alone, he looks at himself in the mirror.

            “Code Red,” he says. “Activate Code Red.”

            Nothing happens.

            “Code Red!” he says, glaring at his reflection. “Be. Code. Red!”

            Code Red still doesn’t come out.

            “Code Blue,” he says with a shrug. “How about him, then?”

            Code Blue doesn’t appear, either.

            Simon sighs in a way that it turns into a growl as he rests his hands on the sink counter. He knows it’s only been a day since he died and came back to life, but it really does put into perspective how much has changed in these last six weeks.

            He was just a normal guy before getting zapped by that power surge. And he grew stronger with every win, to get all five forms of The Spektrum. But now that he can’t be at his full strength, it’s frustrating, especially when there’s no one to explain it to him. Computer would be telling him what the reason for this blockage is, but not even Computer has come back to him. Simon only got used to his powers thanks to Computer’s guidance, so he has no idea what to do now.

            As his frustration boils over, Simon kicks a bathroom stall door. And it gets broken off one of the hinges! He’s shocked by his strength, but then realizes he’s not Simon anymore. He sees the black gear, the gloves, and then looks over his right shoulder to look at the mirror.

            Oh, so this Code I can use, he thinks as he stares into the reflection of Code Black’s red eye. Well, I suppose two out of five is an improvement.

            He calms down and takes out his phone. He goes to Cyndi’s number and calls.

            Cyndi is surprised to get a phone call and not a text. She excuses herself to a corner and answers.

            “I thought you were going to text me,” she whispers.

            “If it worked out,” he points out.

            “Oh no, so you couldn’t get the others?”

            “Yes and no,” he says. “I got Code Black back.”

            “Oh… Well, that’s still good, right? Two out of five.”

            “That’s how I’m choosing to see it,” he says. “I’ll join you in the club room for lunch now.”

            “Okay, see you in a minute,” she says.

            They hang up and put their phones away, and moments later, Simon again joins The Spektrum Fan Club for lunch.

            “Hey, Simon,” Jenny says. “Will you be able to make tomorrow night’s vigil?”

            “Vigil?” he repeats.

            “Yeah, we’re going to be holding one for The Spektrum,” Cyndi says. “We’ll put some stuff out by the grass field in the quad, and, I dunno, whatever else happens at a vigil. I’ve never been to one.”

            “Well, a vigil is like a wake or a funeral,” he says. “But, usually you stand there, quietly, with candles or lights. Like a time to have a moment of silence.”

            “Oh,” Cyndi says. “That seems easy enough then. Not to make light of it, I’m just saying.”

            “It’s good timing that you decided on tomorrow night,” Simon says. “I’m going to be busy with the Winter Concert tonight.”

            “Concert?” Jenny asks.

            “Yeah, the School Wind Ensemble,” he says. “Our concert is tonight while Orchestra is tomorrow night.”

            “Oh, cool!” Jenny says.

            “Yeah, it’ll be nice,” Simon shrugs.

            “Do you think I could go?” Cyndi asks suddenly.

            “Go? Go where?” he asks.

            “To the concert tonight,” Cyndi says.

            “Oh. Um, sure, if you want to. Families of the band members will get discounts but everyone else pays the normal price. I think it’s like eight bucks this year.”

            “I think I can swing that,” Cyndi says. “When is it?”

            “Well, it should start about six. And if all goes well, we’ll be done by 7.”

            “Oh okay. My parents shouldn’t be against that.”

            “Then, I guess I’ll see you there,” Simon smiles.

            “See you tonight,” Cyndi smiles.

            Simon finishes his lunch and heads for his next class while Cyndi and Jenny walk together to theirs.

            “Did you just set up some kind of date with Simon?” Jenny asks Cyndi.

            “It’s not really a date,” Cyndi says. “I’m going to see the school band perform.”

            “But, still,” Jenny says. “It’s like you arranged a date. What about The Spektrum?”

            Cyndi realizes she’s already failing her plan to “mourn” the fallen hero.

            “Well, that’s…” she stalls while thinking. “I mean, The Spektrum… it’s complicated, okay? Just be my friend and support me.”

            “Okay,” Jenny says. “I suppose you weren’t exactly with The Spektrum anyway.”

            “That’s more like justifying than supporting,” Cyndi frowns.

            “Sorry,” Jenny apologizes with a side hug. “Go get ‘em!”

            Cyndi and Jenny laugh as they exit the stairwell and head for the main building.

            The rest of the day passes by smoothly, and Simon does his best to focus on the classes and not his malfunctioning powers. He makes sure to pick up his instrument from the music building this time, where he also meets up with Chris to again walk home with him.

            “Where did you go yesterday?” Chris asks Simon as they walk back out. “I looked around for you after school was let out early but I couldn’t find you.”

            “Oh, sorry,” Simon says. “I was in the science wing at that time.”

            “That Spektrum fan club?”

            “Yeah.”

            “Well, I went there, and you weren’t there.”

            “Because,” Simon says as he tries to figure out a logical alibi, “Cyndi went downstairs when The Spektrum got shot, and I followed her. Obviously I didn’t run out into the open, seeing him get shot was way too crazy.”

            “Oh. But what about after?”

            “I ended up walking home with Alex and the others,” Simon says. “Right, Alex?”

            “Uh, yeah,” Alex says, caught off guard. “We all went home together.”

            “But you guys don’t even live nearby,” Chris says.

            “Well, yeah, but we were all just kinda shocked and stuff,” Alex shrugs.

            “Oh.”

            Simon and Chris continue on out, but Simon quickly mouths “Thanks!” to Alex with a thumbs up down low.

            “That really sucks about The Spektrum, though,” Chris says as they make it to the sidewalk.

            “Yeah, definitely,” Simon says, already starting to tune Chris out.

            “If only I’d gotten those powers, too,” Chris says under his breath.

            “What?” Simon says, having heard that. “Are… Are you still on that? You think you’d still be a better Spektrum?”

            “Well, it wouldn’t matter if I was better or not, if we worked together. Then we’d have defeated Zorb and his guys super easy.”

            Simon finds himself laughing for whatever reason. Something about the laugh felt familiar.

            “Are you that narcissistic?” he ends up saying. “No, are you that delusional? Do you really think you’d have made a difference in what happened?”

            “I was just saying—”

            “Yeah, you were just saying. You were talking, because you seem to do nothing better than that! You are constantly going on about yourself, what you’re good at, how something someone else said somehow has a connection to you, and yet you don’t seem to understand why no one else in band hangs out with you!”

            The two of them stop walking, but aren’t really aware of the others walking by and hearing this.

            “You ever wonder why we walk home together?” Simon says. “It’s not because we’re friends. Honestly, I’m not even sure if I’m your friend! We walk home because I have the misfortune of living close enough to you that your MOM can pick you up from my house! I’m more like your babysitter than your friend! That’s what it is! I’m your babysitter, except I don’t get paid. I only get to tolerate you day in and day out!”

            Chris has a clear expression of hurt and embarrassment on his face, but Simon can’t see it through his own anger.

            “So guess what?!” Simon continues on his rant. “I’m NOT babysitting you anymore. You got freshman year, and this much of this year, and that’s it. The semester ends tomorrow and then it’s the Winter break. When the new semester comes around, get yourself a new babysitter!”

            Simon storms off, and feels weirdly relieved. But what he doesn’t notice is that his right eye flickers bright red.

 

            “Simon,” his mom says with a very stern tone.

            This was only half an hour later, while Simon was eating an early dinner.

            “Did you get in an argument with Chris?” she asks. “His mother just called me about how he called her to meet him a block before our house.”

            “Good,” Simon grumbles while chopping up the leftover torta with his spoon. “They can start interviewing now before Christmas.”

            “What?” she asks with a confused but upset look on her face.

            “I said I was being treated like an unappreciated babysitter,” Simon sighs. “I thought she would’ve told you what he told her about what I told him, but whatever. One time he doesn’t want to talk about himself.”

            “Simon,” his mother says, her voice a little softer. “Why would you do that?”

            “Because I’m done with him,” he says. “He thinks he’d be a better superhero than—”

            He has to cut himself off, he almost says “me”. But his mom doesn’t know about him being The Spektrum and he wanted to keep it that way a bit longer.

            “He thinks he’d be better than The Spektrum, when he didn’t even know the guy,” Simon lies.

            “That’s no reason to yell at him.”

            “But it was the last straw,” he says. “So that’s it. No more having to worry about him staying over after concerts like tonight, or me going over there to his house. No more of him and his little brother being all loud.”

            “Well, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that’s a relief,” his mom mutters. “But, I thought you were friends.”

            “Nope,” Simon says flatly.

            Simon goes back to eating, and the conversation ends there.

 

            A couple more hours later, Simon and his parents arrive at the school. His parents, like everyone else planning to be in the audience, go to the auditorium while he joins the rest of the band in the music building.

            “Hey, guys,” he says to his friends as he walks in.

            “Hey,” Alex says back. “Wait, where’s Chris?”

            “Yeah, don’t you guys usually ride together?” Julian asks.

            “That ended today,” Simon says.

            Alex, Julian and Bryan look at each other with some confusion and concern as the four of them move into the boys’ dressing room.

            “What happened?” Alex asks.

            “Chris was still being Chris and I had enough of it,” Simon shrugs as he takes his tuxedo jacket from the rack.

            “He must’ve really gone overboard then,” Bryan says. “Even without…”

            Bryan looks around and sees it’s just the four of them at the moment.

            “The Spektrum,” he finishes, “it was like your superpower was being super nice and stuff. Like, I know there was stuff last year that really set you off, but that wasn’t Chris, and that was some stuff that, y’know, made sense for you to be upset over.”

            “Well, it wasn’t exactly like that,” Simon says as he puts the jacket on. “But, him going on about how he’d be better with powers than The Spektrum, even after he died? I’ve had it with him.”

            “Well, I’m impressed you lasted as long,” Bryan says as he and the others put their jackets on, too. “All those arguments he caused in middle school was enough for a lot of us to distance ourselves. You were kinda the last one.”

            “And I should’ve done it sooner,” Simon says. “Who knows, maybe I’ll be walking home with a certain someone else in the new semester anyway.”

            “Wait, what?” Bryan asks.

            “Well, Cyndi’s going to be in the audience tonight,” Simon says. “And I have her phone number now, so who knows? Maybe we’ll be walking home together.”

            “Nice,” Julian says as he offers a high-five.

            Simon high-fives and the four friends head out of the changing room. They make their way to the auditorium from the back way, same as everyone else.

            The members of the Wind Ensemble make their way on stage and to their seats. Chris’s seat remains open though he’s not here yet. The audience has already taken their seats. Simon spots his parents first and gives a short wave. But then he spots Cyndi a couple rows back and gives a big smile. She smiles back, a bit shyly. He can’t see everything she’s wearing, but she has her hair up and it looks really cute. Simon turns his head back around and sees Alex, who of course sits right next to him, with a big smirk on his face. Simon can only respond with a sneer.

            Minutes pass, but Chris still doesn’t show up. He sits ahead of Simon in the chart, as last chair of the first row. Simon sits as first chair of the second row, and that’s where he stays. It would be too much to ask him to play a part he hasn’t been playing in class, but it’s almost time for the show, and they aren’t going to delay for just one person. Mr. Reese has no choice but to move the chair out of the way. The percussion section uses it more as a place to set instruments, and the first row is down from four to three.

            “Why do you think he’s not here?” Michelle asks in a hushed voice; she sits right next to Alex.

            “Simon basically told him off,” Alex says.

            “Whoa, really?” she asks. “Like what?”

            “Just finally telling him the truth,” Simon mutters. “I didn’t think he’d stay home over it.”

            “Wait, what?” the third seat of the front row asks as she turns around.

            The front row outside of Chris was all upperclassmen, with the first two chairs being seniors. The third seat, a young woman, was a junior. And her having overhead this conversation made Simon and his friends a little nervous.

            “I yelled at him a lot,” Simon starts reluctantly. “And, I dunno, I guess that’s why he’s still at home.”

            “So it’s your fault that I’m stuck playing our part alone?” she says in a huff.

            “I’m sorry!” Simon says, only now feeling guilty. “I just figured he’d snap back from it like every time he ever gets someone else riled up.”

            Before this awkward argument could continue, Mr. Reese taps his baton on the stand to call everyone’s attention.

            “Alex, you’ve had the reed in your mouth long enough,” he says. “Put it in the clarinet.”

            Alex does as told, finally fastening the piece of wood in place. Everyone raises their instruments up, and blow a long tuning note. Naturally, Alex has to make adjustments since he wasn’t working on his clarinet while the others were, but he’s not the only one. After adjustments are made, everyone plays the tuning note again. Mr. Reese seems satisfied, and the concert begins.

 

            Simon feels bad for still struggling with some of the parts. The band has rehearsed the soundtrack medley of Pirates of the Caribbean dozens of times but because Simon’s neither had the time nor the energy to rehearse at home, he’s not living up to what the first seat of row two should be capable of. He manages to survive by staying a bit quieter than the rest and somewhat blending in.

            After Pirates of the Caribbean came their medley of Chrismas songs, since this was the Winter Concert after all. Simon does better, because it’s a lot of the same Christmas songs as every year. He feels much better about it, even with the complex and dramatic ending that comes with the Twelve Days of Christmas.

            The audience applauds with a standing ovation, and the band stands up to take a bow. Simon smiles at his parents, but also at Cyndi. He goes backstage with everyone else to return to the music building from the back way.

            “Good work, everyone,” Mr. Reese says while the percussion section puts the drums and other instruments away. “You earned sleeping in tomorrow. Remember, we’ll meet up again the first day of the new semester, so don’t forget that. You’re dismissed, enjoy the holidays!”

            Everyone cheers as they exit the Wind Ensemble room. The boys all put their tuxedo jackets back in the dressing room and put on their jackets and coats. The girls pick up their coats and jackets from their changing room. The junior girl third seat still sneers at Simon over Christian’s absence, but Simon just shrugs it off.

            Simon and friends walk out of the building and meet with their parents outside.

            “So Christian didn’t show up tonight,” Simon’s mom says.

            Simon simply sighs with a bit of annoyance.

            “What’s going on?” his dad asks.

            “It seems Simon and Christian got in an argument and that’s why Christian wasn’t at the concert,” his mom explains.

            “It wasn’t an argument,” Simon says. “I’m just done with him.”

            “Done with him?” his dad repeats. “What does that mean?”

            “I’m no longer walking home with him, for one,” Simon says.

            “Why not?” his dad asks.

            Simon can’t really answer, because of the decision not to tell his mother about how he’s The Spektrum.

            “Because I’m not tolerating his oblivious ego anymore,” Simon says in a huff.

            Simon looks over as Cyndi walks over, and he immediately feels better.

            “Hello,” he says.

            “Hi,” Cyndi says with a smile. “You guys did great.”

            “Thanks,” he says back.

            There’s a short but awkward pause.

            “And you look really nice,” he says quickly. “I like the, uh, all of it.”

            “Thanks,” Cyndi chuckles. “I like the all of it, too.”

            The two of them laugh, but then Simon’s parents walk over.

            “Well, hello there,” his mom says to Cyndi.

            “Hello,” Cyndi says. “You must be Mr. and Mrs. Michaels. I’m Cynthia, but you can call me Cyndi.”

            “Well, hello, Cyndi,” Simon’s mom says.

            Though his parents are still a little upset and worried about Simon in relation to the falling out with Christian, his mother is happily intrigued by this situation.

            “So, um,” Cyndi says, “oh, my mom’s here, by the way.”

            Cyndi looks over towards the door, where a woman dressed in a business skirt with her own blonde hair up in a bun stands. The woman waves and Cyndi waves back.

            “Yeah, luckily she was able to take it easy on work since the holidays are coming up,” Cyndi says. “She’ll also help out with the vigil tomorrow night.”

            “Oh that’s cool,” Simon says.

            “Vigil?” Simon’s mom asks.

            “For The Spektrum,” Cyndi says. “My friends actually made sure the club could get permission for that.”

            “Club?” Simon’s dad asks.

            “The fan club,” Simon says. “I guess I hadn’t really told you guys that. I was hoping to go, too, actually.”

            “Yeah, that’ll be fine,” his dad says. “When do you guys plan on holding it?”

            “Um, kinda the same time as this, actually,” Cyndi says. “The sun’s obviously down by now, so having it from about 6 to 7 should be fine.”

            “Oh then we can definitely do that,” his mom says.

            “We?” Simon says.

            “Yes, we can all go,” she says. “I’ll get something on the way home and we can bring your brothers with us.”

            “Oh,” Simon says. “Yeah, okay.”

            His parents chuckle at his reaction.

            “Well, we should get going now,” his mom says. “See you tomorrow.”

            “Bye, see you tomorrow,” Cyndi says. “Bye, Simon.”

            “Bye,” Simon says with a quick wave.

            Simon and his parents go back to their car while Cyndi goes back to her mom, and everyone returns home.

 

            After they arrive home, Simon goes back to his room to change out of his shirt and slacks. Simon’s dad knocks on the door even though it’s slightly ajar.

            “I’m dressed,” Simon says as he pulls up his sweatpants.

            His dad opens the door a bit more but stays at the threshold.

            “I know you mentioned The Spektrum Fan Club,” he says with a hushed voice, “but you didn’t mention Cyndi.”

            “I didn’t?” Simon says. “I thought I did.”

            “But she doesn’t know, right?”

            “Oh, no, she knows,” Simon says as he pulls off his socks. “I just didn’t know it until I got back to school.”

            “Oh,” his dad nods, “alright. Does that mean… the two of you are more than friends…?”

            “I’m not sure yet…” Simon says. “But, I suppose we could try, if The Spektrum isn’t needed.”

            “Well what does that mean?” his dad asks as Simon tosses his dirty laundry on the side of his bed.

            “Well, everyone thinks he’s dead,” Simon says. “And yeah, Zorb’s still alive, but maybe he doesn’t come back here. Then I can live a normal life.”

            “I see what you’re saying,” his dad says. “You see it all the time in the movies and shows, where superheroes can’t have relationships for all sorts of reasons.”

            “Yeah,” Simon says. “So if I’m having to be a hero…”

            “I get it,” his dad says as Simon’s voice trails off. “But being a friend first is a good start, right? Get to know her, and who knows? Maybe The Spektrum isn’t needed anymore.”

            “I sure hope so,” Simon says. “Batman and Superman would probably disagree, though.”

            “Well, they’re fictional superheroes,” his dad counters. “You’re one of the first real superheroes. You set the precedent for what happens.”

            Simon is struck by the wisdom in his father’s words. Why didn’t he think of that himself? Or anyone in the fan club, for that matter.

            “Yeah,” he nods. “That’s true. Thanks, Dad.”

            “Now make sure to get some sleep,” his dad says with a smile. “Winter break may start after tomorrow, but you still need to go.”

            “I know,” Simon chuckles.

            “Alright,” his dad chuckles back. “Night, Si.”

            “Night,” Simon says back.

            Simon takes time to finish up his homework then goes to bed only a little after 11. But then he remembers his alarm doesn’t need to be so early, so he changes it from 6 to 7, and now settles in to sleep.