As far as I could tell, Shirley hadn’t moved. When we woke up, I was a little sleepy, but Shirley said nothing. I had gotten away with it. The next day was the best since I had arrived. I felt liberated. I forgot all the indignities I had encountered and enjoyed myself. My secret brought a smile to my face whenever I thought of it. Even Math class went by without a twinge. The food had always been good, but somehow it tasted better. The chocolate was smoother, the butter richer, the fruit sweeter. Shirley noted my appetite and warned that if I started gaining weight, she was going to put me on a diet. I just laughed. Go ahead, I thought. Put me on teabulbs and vedgepacks. I don’t care. I returned to the hideout that night and did my duty in replenishing the supply of the unnamed plant. Trace wasn’t there, but that was fine. I took some smoke, poked a bit at the camera tablet, and generally enjoyed my independence. It actually felt easier to learn under those circumstances. The pressure was off.
