chapter 35

Valarian A few hours earlier “Valarian, are you dressed yet?” Mom yells out to me. I grab the piece of paper with my dad’s address and a small list I made of his description. Mom said I would recognize him, and the funny feeling I get in my tummy should tell me he’s my dad. “Coming, mom,” I call back to her. I unfold the paper again because the corners don’t match. Why won’t they match? I refold it. Casey walks into the room. I hate how she taps on my door—two taps. It should be three: odd numbers, odd numbers. I try to refold the paper, but her knock irritates me, making me mess the corners up again. “Valarian, we’re gonna be late!” mom calls again. “Casey, knock,” I snap. I don’t mean to—Casey is my best friend. “I forgot. You’re so weird, Vally,” Casey laughs but knocks on the door again anyway, and I let out a breath. I know the other kids think I’m weird; they all do, but I don’t mind when Casey says it; she doesn’t say it in a mean way. “Did you get it?” I whisper to Casey, and s