“We’ve got a new new kid.”Griffin said hastily, obviously trying to fill in the silence.

“You guys are going to have to help her out. Teach her everything she needs to know. I’ve already told her how to get here….” he ran a hand through his hair, nervous because no one was talking…but him. He hated that, too. I put my hand on his shoulder.

"Let's go," I said. If they were going to act like unresponsive zombies, then that would be their problem. "We came to talk to the trees, remember?" I laughed, and he flashed me a grateful smile.

“Alright, alright,” he joked. “Let’s go.