Hey, you're gonna be taking those college entrance tests soon, and I don't want that messing up your mood," Zach said.

Madelyn spoke softly, "You know, I actually really liked Ms. Manning. She watched out for me in school. If she's gonna be with my father, it's cool with me."

She went on, "Oh, and my exams? Don't worry, I've already decided where I wanna apply."

Zach asked, "Yeah? Where?"

Madelyn answered, "I wanna go to Lorville University and study to be a teacher. After I graduate, I wanna teach in rural places through a volunteer program."

Zach's eyes flicked at Madelyn, who was looking at the ground. He said, "Lorville's far, like really far from Ventropolis. Even the fastest plane takes over ten hours. Why go so far when things are good here?"

Madelyn thought to herself, 'What's up with him not wanting me to leave? It's not about me leaving; it's about him trying to control me.' She said, "Well, my mom did this volunteer teaching thing in the countryside, and that's how she