"Boss lady made us prepare for a bear attack and the bloke she designated as a bear tried to lunge at me because, I d'know, maybe I looked like an easy target. He bowled a young lad over instead and I think they both got hurt." It was so silly and pointless but if he said anything she might never talk to him again. Steven wrings his hands anxiously.

"Marc," he ventures softly, resting his head against Marc's shoulder. "If you have to do something to get out of here, I want you to, okay? I won't blame you. Promise me Marc." Steven's voice drops down to a raspy whisper. He might cry again. "Don't come back for me."