chapter 24

That quietens me into submission, and I don t fight him. Colton leads the way, grasping my hand, and tugs me with him through the hall. It s busy, filled with Santos coming and going from the mess hall, in all states of sports attire as training started today, and everyone seems to either be rushing about or completely immobile in groups, chatting. There s a sense of confusion with some, an urgency with others, and a holiday vibe with more. I guess some don t realize the seriousness of why everything has changed, and some are overwhelmed with anxiety and rushing around doing whatever they re told with prompt action. It s chaotic and overwhelming, and I close down and allow him to lead me through. Colton takes me away from the swarm of moving groups and heads towards the hallway to the communal room on this floor. He walks fast and I fall in step obediently. It only takes a silent minute to turn into the passage and head down towards the room, where everything seems strangely hushed.