Having sampled sightings from a pair of spectral planes, I suspect the Reader wrestles with a want for more. Know that I was just as eager to expand my sense, but my focus on Field Day deferred that demand.

I must now inform you of the function Field Day served. It stood as a rite of passage into seventh grade. Most of us knew most of its events were mandatory. I alone appeared to think the balance beam was too.

Rachel mocked my misbelieving at our double desk. “You’re too easy,” she boasted about her trickery. “I’m betting that no one here will cross it except me. Honestly, I’ll be shocked if you make it halfway.”

I despised her haughtiness but met it passively, feeling ill-equipped to counter her with confidence. I kept to contentment in the prospect of a pass, which felt far more likely with the balance beam removed.

Beating it could bring a lot: extra credit first, and a benefit toward a seer course to come. Much as I desired both, I doubted my strength. I was loath to trust that I could cross its daunting length.

I was loath to trust the sureness of my soul as well. It took more than stable feet to beat the balance beam. Bohdric blessings bade it prey on subtleties of sense. Kids our age were known to fail its test for fragile faith.

Lucky for me, I could win with one foot on the beam. I just had to pass the other physical events. Freshly freed from pressure to outperform my rival, I spent three days practicing in unusual calm.

Salvador shadowed my conviction as he could, showing for what privacy practice permitted me. I was glad to see him smile at my fervent striving. I enjoyed his stressing over spectral fears far less.

“Dimbles are a tricky bunch,” said he on day three. “What if that one lied to us? Was it even real?”

I shot him a wicked scowl for such a senseless ask. “I don’t know what’s real,” I sighed. “I just have to pass.”

I left without a word of warmth for my fearful friend, choosing not to let him load me down with extra doubt. Maybe he’d have called for me if he’d been free to shout. Maybe I’d have waited if I’d seen his falling face.