Chapter 17 In Absence

• Friedrich POV
• I stay in my usual spot on the rooftop, watching the players and cheerleaders file onto the field. I spot Ethan talking with Bertha as they walk over. They stop suddenly, looking in my direction, but up here, I’m well hidden. For now, at least. Just watching them confirms it. He survived the bite, and from the looks of it, he’s adjusting. That’s something.
• The game kicks off with a sharp whistle, and the Bears, Ethan’s team, take possession. There’s a definite change in how Ethan plays. He’s quicker, stronger than he was before the bite, though not quite as strong as he thinks. His enthusiasm is contagious, and his teammates feed off it.