The Gathering Storm by H. K. Varian Page B

I’m just so ready to change. I can’t believe I’m the last one to figure it out.”
    â€œThat doesn’t matter,” Gabriella told him. “You’ll get it. Ms. Therian believes in you—and look, your own grandfather is one of the First Four—I mean, that’s incredible !”
    Mack tried to smile, but Gabriella’s enthusiasm just made him feel worse. If Jiichan was one of the First Four, shouldn’t Mack have an easier time transforming—and not harder?
    Just then, Jiichan pulled up to the curb. Mack was happier than usual to see him. If talking to Gabriella had given him an entirely new perspective on how he should approach Changing, then what could he learn from his own grandfather, a true master?
    â€œThanks for the advice, Gabriella,” Mack said. He hopped into the car.
    â€œHow was your day?” Jiichan asked as Mack fastened his seat belt.
    â€œGabriella can change now too,” Mack said with a sigh. “That’s everybody—everybody except me. Please, you have to help me, Jiichan. Can you at least tell me what’s it like? What did it feel like when you first transformed?”
    Jiichan turned up the windshield wipers to high. “You will understand soon,” he replied.
    Mack balled up his fists in frustration. He and Jiichan sat in silence for a few moments while Mack tried to get his anger under control.
    â€œI’m asking you simple questions!” Mack finally exploded. “Why won’t you answer them? I don’t know how to do this and it’s killing me!”
    â€œPerhaps, then, you should try patience,” Jiichan said.
    â€œOh, thanks. That’s great advice,” Mack said sarcastically. He knew how disrespectful he was being, but for once, he was so upset that he didn’t even care. “It’s not like there’s some insane, power-hungry warlock on the way. You’re right. I’ll just sit around and wait. I’m sure that will work out fine.”
    Jiichan didn’t respond, which made Mack even angrier.
    â€œIt would’ve been hard enough to go through this if Mom and Dad were here,” he snapped. “But they’re gone. I guess it was too much to expect my grandfather to be there for me.”
    But not even that could get a response from Jiichan. As they drove home without speaking, Jiichan’s silence made Mack feel worse than ever.

Chapter 10
The Horn of Power
    A famous poet was visiting the campus of New Brighton University later that evening, which meant Fiona was spending the afternoon in her father’s office in the English department. As chair for poetry, her dad was always hosting readings like this. Though she was looking forward to hearing the poet read, Fiona found herself wishing she were anywhere else. Actually, just one place else: the ocean cove, where she had first swam as a selkie . The saltwater pool in the ancillary gym just wasn’t the same.
    Fiona stood up from her father’s desk and decided to get a snack from the vending machine. When she saw a familiar face reflected in the glass case, she almost gasped.
    â€œDarren?” Fiona asked in surprise. “What are you doing here?”
    â€œFiona!” Darren exclaimed. “I— What are you doing here?”
    â€œMy dad’s an English professor,” she explained. “He’s working late tonight, so . . .”
    Darren nodded knowingly. “My mom’s a chemistry professor,” he said. “Usually, I hang out in the science building, but man, it stinks over there today!”
    â€œExperiment gone wrong?” Fiona laughed.
    â€œDefinitely,” Darren replied. “My brother, Ray, goes here, and he said that the English department has the best student lounge.”
    â€œOh, it does. No doubt about that,” Fiona said.
    â€œSo here I am,” Darren said.
    â€œYou know, I was going to head over to the library to work on my