Summary

Zach’s mood doesn't improve the next morning, despite his mother’s assurances that his father had done all he could to try to get his things back but had no success. Luckily, he doesn't see Poppy or Alice on the way to school, reluctant to tell them the game is done. He almost ditches school for the day, but changes his mind at the last minute, arriving late as a result. Lunch is tasteless and he begs off practice after school feigning illness. Alice catches up with him on the way home, relaying a message from Poppy to walk slowly so that she would be able to catch up after getting a book from the library. Leo joins them and Alice asks if he’s okay, but he dodges the question and then Poppy reaches them. They talk about superstitions and ghosts, even...