"I could...do what I did to calm you down while we were in Ravagog."

Ro rolled her eyes. "Could you guys be any worse at hiding stuff?" 

Sophie ignored her, remembering that soothing blue breeze that had eased her panic. "That actually might be a good idea."

"Wow, you must really be scared if you're accepting my help that easily." Keefe felt her forehead, as of checking for a fever.

"I don't need to take you to Elwin, right?"

Sophie sighed.

But...the joke did help.

The whole conversation helped. 

Her eyes had dried, and that tick-tick-ticking in her ears quieted.

And Keefe's knew it. His smile was adorably smug as he grabbed half of her books to help her carry them home.

Grady, meanwhile, was studying Keefe like he'd never seen him before in his life. 

"I'm glad you're back," Sophie told him, keeping her voice low—just for the two of them.

Keefe's smile turned unbearably sweet. "Me too, Foster. Me too."

—Shannon Messenger-Nightfall-page 577