Emily shook the Wonderball, as if trying to shake some sense into it. She growled in frustration. “So am I supposed to go to visit my friend or not? I don’t understand you!” But the answer cube just kept repeating the same message.

“Fine then, we’ll go to the hospital. It’s better than just staying here and worrying about Dana and whether her mom is lying to me or not. And if I get into a coma, well, at least I’m in the best place for it, right?” Emily laughed derisively and the answer cube clicked again, unexpectedly. Her mouth fell open as the Wonderball flashed a quick Right at the window.

As soon as Emily told her mom about Mrs. Poole’s phone call, she immediately offered to take Emily to the hospital.

“Want me to come up with you, honey?” her mom asked as she pulled up to the hospital’s entrance.

“NO! Um, I mean, no, don’t worry, mom. I’ll just take the bus back home.”

Of one thing Emily was sure. Whatever or whoever was waiting for her in room 34, she would have to face it alone.