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“Yeah,” Adam says, but he doesn’t sound too excited about his future wealth

I study his expression but try not to look too obvious about it Ever since I learned he likes me, I don’t kno to act around him, like I know a secret no one else does He shouldn’t like uy with a real future ahead of him, and I’, but thick clouds darken the sky above us The air smells of wet plants, and a cool breeze o in” I need a ae Future-Adam left for me

Adam doesn’t move Under the bri in Beside hi she sees

“Let’s go then,” Chris says, nudging Adam toward the front porch

The door has a bronze knocker in the shape of a lion, about the size ofon the door, but there’s no answer “No one’s home,” he says “Adam, you’re up”

After a second of hesitation, Adam places his hand on a smooth, black panel on the door, likeat Shawnda’s apartment There’s a click, and the door creaks open

It’s dark inside, but I glis None of us step forward I definitely don’t want to be the first one to go in Not that I think anything bad will happen to us, but it just seeuess technically it’s Adam’s house—or will be someday

Ada hi on the thick rug, and wonder if I should take ht flicks on overhead, revealing an entryith only a small wooden side table and an ornate mirror It’s warm now that we’re inside and I want to take offabout the house makes , but I runthe shiny, dust-free table anyway Future-Adah it seeht now

“This is your place, Adam,” Chris says “Give us a tour”

“Doesn’t really seem like my kind of place,” Adam mumbles as he walks farther into the house

We step into the longest living rooh to fit the Robertsons’ entire house inside It’s filled hat I assu wood, in colors like navy and burgundy and gold Heavy curtains block out all natural light, and art that looks like it should be rotting away in a museum watches over us

“This place is sweet,” Chris says, flopping down on one of the love seats with little wooden feet

He’s right, but there’s soed, like it’s all for show to prove how rich and important Future-Adam is There are no photos anywhere No trinkets No clutter No dogs running around or kids playing It doesn’t feel lived in

“Dude, I’,” Trent says “Where’s the kitchen?”

I’ry too, now that he’s mentioned it Our last meal was at lunch before ent to the future, but that was—I check o And who knoe’ll have a chance to eat again before we return to our time

“Didn’t Aether pack us some food?” Zoe asks

“Yeah,” Chris says “But I bet this place has soh wide hallways until we find the kitchen, with its dark-greenstainless-steel appliances The fridge looks wide enough to pack a couple bodies in I can’t ie door open and a whoosh of cold air rushes out We peer inside, but all I see are half-e bottles and a plastic container with soy sandwiches doesn’t sound too bad