Or maybe he could just fall asleep out here. That'd be fine too. Just sort of pass out and sleep through the rest of the event, and then wake up and have it all have been a dream. He didn't go and ruin half of his relationships with people. That was just a bad dream.

He hears Max, a bit louder now. She's wondering where he is. She sounds scared. Then Tim, sounding just as scared.

So much for hiding, then.

"here."

It comes out much too quiet. He tries again.

"over here." He sticks a hand out from behind the tree and waves. Neither of him probably want to see his face right now.

"it's not here. was just me. sorry."

He closes both eyesockets, keeping his hand over the left one. The bone around the top edge feels weird, a bit rougher than he remembers. He's not gonna think about it right now.