When his stepmother and father aren't looking, a message made of glowing dust forms before Sadde's eyes.

Hey, it's Hannah, one of the weird kids who appeared in your room. You hear about Faded Springs? Just nod or shake your head.

He stops, startled, then nods.

Yeah, that's happened to you. You're going to live forever now unless something kills you, and you'll never be sick. Bunch of other cool stuff, too, but those are the main things. 

"Um."

I could do the same thing for the rest of your family, but I know your dad's a jerk.

"I still don't want him to die," he murmurs.

Is he likely to die very soon?

"No?"

Then it can wait. Probably for your siblings and step mom, too, unless there's something you know that I don't.

"It doesn't need to wait. Why isn't everyone like this?" he whispers.

Eventually, but your dad's mean, so I don't think he should have powers right now. Do you want me to do the rest of your family?"

"He wouldn't use them, he doesn't like powers. I... don't know what he'd do if my half-siblings and stepmom had powers."

So, wait?

"...I don't know."

If I did, it could give you time to run away. If that's what you want.

"Run away where? And the government would still think I'm his kid."

There's Faded Springs, lots of people with powers there. And we could hide you in another universe if we needed to. Also, I totally know a secret conspiracy that could help. If your dad is mean to your step mum and her siblings, I can make him stop. 

"He isn't mean to them, just to me."

I mean if I give them powers.

"They'd be able to defend themselves, right?"

Yeah.

"So you can just turn them all."

Yes. 

"All of them," he clarifies.

Are your dad or stepmum driving?