#Chapter 145: Man Down

Abby Daniel and I fall silent as Bryan and Mr. Thompson suddenly walk into the room, Daniel’s earlier remarks still ringing in my ears. But as my eyes flick from Bryan, whose eyes are red-rimmed and swollen, to Mr. Thompson, whose face is somber, I suddenly find myself forgetting all about my argument with Daniel. “Bryan, are you okay?” I ask, taking a step forward. He looks up, his eyes full of an emotion that strikes me instantly. Bryan has been the quiet sort throughout this entire competition, focused entirely on his work. But now, he suddenly appears as though his very soul is slipping out from him, like the rug was just ripped from beneath his feet. “It’s private, Abby—” Mr. Thompson begins, but Bryan cuts him off. “No, no, it’s fine,” Bryan says. “It’s just… um…” His voice quivers, and there’s a pause before he finally takes a deep breath and speaks. “It’s… It’s my mom,” he whispers, the words catching in his throat. “She passed away. Just now.” The room til