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That’s a little presumptive. Do I HAVE to?

But yes. I need some sleep.

I typed a message, then deleted it. Then tried again.

Nothing came out.

“Can we stay up to see Jade?” Agnes popped up between my phone and me.

I had to take a second to process what Agnes had asked. “I don’t know when she’ll be here, and you have a bedtime.”

She blew a raspberry that wound up spraying me. I let out a long sigh and wiped my face.

“I hate school. I don’t need a bedtime.”

I looked over. Beatrice was asleep on top of the fridge.

“When did she get there?” I asked, shooting to my feet.

“We climbed there and jumped off a bunch. You weren’t listening.”

I was lucky Jade was my only neighbor, or there would be a noise complaint. I scrubbed a hand over my face. I knew better than to be on my phone while these two were awake.

“Why are you upset?” Agnes asked.

“I’m fine.”

“You’re not. You have that line in your eyebrows. And you ignored us all night.”

I deflated like a balloon. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”

She shrugged. “It’s okay. I dipped your toothbrush in the toilet.”

Another sigh escaped me. “Great. Thanks.”

“Watch me next time.”

“Your threat has done its job.” I walked over to get Beatrice from off the fridge. For once, she was pliant in my arms. When her head landed on my chest, she curled inward.

“You’re not forgetting us, are you?” Agnes asked.

“No.” The words flew out of me. “Not at all. I was worried about something else.”

“What is it?”

“Something to do with the town.”

“There’s something going on?” Her eyes went wide. “Want me to ask around?”

“You could?” I let out a laugh.

“Are you doubting me?”

“You’re five.”

“I set your house on fire.”

“I’m still mad at you for that.”