"Yeah," Mr. Wensday sighs, "no. Let's pass on this Dawn."

Mr. Wensday closes the door as he enters the dorms, explaining, "we don't have anyone who can heal us, and there are do many A class demons out there. I mean, tons. We are not capable of fighting such forces. We've really pissed off Sloth, so expect the next general to be stronger than the last."

"Wait where's Wilson?" Cathrine demands.

"I'm sure he's fine," I reassure her, "I mean, kid can handle himself and..."

I look out the window, "I think they're looking for us, and aren't looking for him. He can handle a few F and D class."

"So..." I Cathrine asks, "whatcha wanna do Shelby?"

I think for a moment, then reply, "well Wilson has that game console doesn't he?"

"I'm gonna go handle some papers I still have to grade," Mr. Wensday explains, "hopefully the review taught them the difference between a hexagon and a pentagon. You two have fun."

With that, Mr. Wensday offers a friendly smile, and walks away towards the teacher's lounge as we head towards Wilson's room and boot up the console.

"Witch of Myths?" I suggest.

"Nah I suck as fast paced rougelikes," Cathrine replies, "how about Great Robbery Automobile?"

"Nah not something bloody," I reply, "wanna just flip a coin?"

Cathrine takes out a quarter and flips it, calling it in the air, "my bet's on heads."

It lands on tails.

"Don't blame me if I die," she smiles sitting next to me, playing as player two. "I really do suck at this game."

We enter the first floor of the dungeon, dodging various foes as we counter with our spells. Eventually Cathrine asks, "so how did you end up here?"

"Oh I don't stay in the dorms," she explains, "I'm an off campus student."

"Oh," Cathrine replies, "wish I was, but with my mom and dad being so busy with work they decided it best to send me here. I mean, they care about me but I needed help for my schizophrenia so..."

"That sounds rough," I sigh, "I'm sorry."

"It's not like that," Cathrine reassures me, "in fact, my dad has The Gift too. My mom was crying when I left when Summer ended. She gets so emotional. We actually get along just fine. I call them every Friday."

"Yeah I live my uncle," I explain, "and- shit! Dodge! Dodge! Watch the fireball and-"

The game over screen appears.

"Shit!" I exclaim.

"Sometimes that's the way the cookie crumbles," Cathrine reassures me patting my back, "you really get into this huh?"

"I love bullet hell games," I smile, "they make me feel alive. This game is like the love child of a bullet hell and rougelike. What's not to love? Anyways, yeah my mom died in child birth and my dad died of cancer before I was born. My uncle and I get along really well. He's really over protective sometimes, but he's also really chill usually. He's like, the fun uncle."

Cathrine pauses the game and asks, "what do you mean by fun uncle?"

"Huh?" I inquire.

"Fun like..." she sighs, "like a Reverly demon?"

"No of course not he hates the stuff!" I exclaim, "day I moved in he swore off booze. He does his best, but him and his husband do sometimes have to handle work, being streamers and all so sometimes I'm home alone but they call like three times a day when I am. They're both huge nerds but they love each other and me. It's great."

"Huh we really aren't so different," Cathrine smiles, "makes you think. We see all these demons so you would assume the world is shit but it's a beautiful place isn't it? Good parents are the norm."

"They sure are," I smile, "he's why I got into karate. Wanted me to be able to protect myself. He didn't force me to but he did suggest it and I was sold when he told me I could be like a superhero from the comics he would read me as bedtime stories. Vintage comics too. I loved those old comics. I truly did. We often go to conventions and stuff. It's super fun."

"I'm more a T.V. gal myself," Cathrine explains, "but hey, you do you. You still read comics?"

I take out my phone, "digitally, yeah. I keep the physical copies in warping to keep them in mint condition. I still remember when he accidentally ripped a really valuable issue number one. You know what he said?"

"What?" Cathrine inquires.

"He said, 'hey it was worth it to see ya smile.' He's really chill," I reply, before focusing on the game, "OK final boss don't fuck up! No! No! Look out for the dark magic! Dodge! Dodge left! Cathrine res me!"

"I can get the kill!" Cathrine exclaims mashing the attack button.

"Wait he has-" I try to warn her, but I'm to late as the boss falls, rises, and kills her. "Two forms."

I sigh, but smile. "Well at least it was fun," Cathrine smiles back.

"That's the spirit," I chuckle, "one more go?"

Cathrine shakes her head, "No honestly I wanna snoop around in here for a few. I get the impression Wilson is hiding something."

"OK no I'm putting my foot down," I retort standing up, "we already barged in to play games, but snooping is a serious offense. It's a crime in this county!"

"Hey I'm student body president," Cathrine reminds, "I have to make sure everything is in order."

"You just wanna see what he has about you," I smirk, "don't you?"

"OK yeah fine," Cathrine blushes, "you caught me. Oh? What's this under his bed?"

Cathrine pulls out a large blue plastic tub full of books and opens it.

"That looks private," I explain, "we shouldn't-"

"Just one page," Cathrine smirks with mischief dancing in her eyes as she opens an orange notebook.

"It's a poem," Cathrine explains.

I read over her shoulder now, honestly curious myself as Cathrine's face goes bright red. She appears happy, flattered, and embarrassed.

The scene describes, with the names changed, Wilson cuddling Cathrine, and in some detail describes how it calms him, makes him feel safe and secure, and how he doesn't have nightmares with her. It explains the feeling of peace he has with her, comparing it to a calm ocean and the silent, serene night sky.

"OK that," I explain, "that's adorable."

"Yeah that's enough," Cathrine closes the book all flustered.

"He really does care about you," I smile, "I think he's starting to get better about whatever made him come here."

"Well yeah now he has a support system," Cathrine smiles, "but he still needs therapy from Ms. Evergreen. She's actually a qualified therapist you know. It's why she works here."

"True," I reply, "anyways I'm feeling one more run. You?"

Cathrine chuckles picking up her controller, "this time I'm ready for form two..."