you There are kids in this world who are different. Special. They look like us and they act like us. But they are not us. Little Bird, you haven't touched your pancake. Newsflash, Dad. Holiday has been missing for days. And maybe some bad guys took her. So, this pancake... is not doing it for me. Ditto on the cereal. Okay, if you're not hungry, then just clear your dishes. Dad, you and Mom posted more flyers out there last night.
If she's still in Juno, there's no way Holiday didn't see them. But what if she doesn't know they're a secret message? It's a missing poster for the microscope Cyrus got her for her birthday. She'll know. She'll know. Maybe the bad guys took her. No, Birdie, they couldn't... Mom? Sorry, I'm... I'm okay. Cy, why don't you and Bird head out for school?
Don't want to miss the bus. How can we keep going to school when Holiday is still missing? You ask this every morning. Someone is looking for Holiday, and we can't draw their attention. We have to act normal. We're not normal! Not without Holiday! Bird! I got this. See you guys later. Monica? Are you okay? Why don't you take the morning off and then we can pick up the search. Take the morning off? No. James, what if Bertie is right? If Whittier is looking for Holiday, what if they...
Cyrus probably forgot his lunch again. Mr. Anders. Yes? We haven't had the pleasure of meeting yet. My name is Anne-Marie Pallet. I'm the new principal at Whittier Middle School. Is holiday home? It's so kind of you to take time out of your busy day to check in on holiday, Principal Pelé. She's resting now. Milk and sugar? No, just black is fine. Kids and strep. We called the school.
Yes, we got the call. Is there a problem? As you know, I'm new to this district, and I take great interest in each and every child that we educate, especially those that are potentially... Troubled. Troubled! Potentially. Since Holiday arrived at school, she's been late? has frequently made excuses to run out of class. She even assaulted one of her classmates and now she's been absent for days. Do you not agree there is a problem?
I think Holiday had a small case of nerves starting public school. I'm sure once she feels better, she'll be happy to speak with you. It's, uh, so nice that you're so... dedicated to your students. Which must be extremely time-consuming. Why don't we call you when Holiday's feeling better? I think I'd rather just wait here for her to wake up. Can I get a refill on that coffee?
Well, well, well. Enjoying your pizza, Silasanders? It's Cyrus, Brindley. Whatever. So, your sister is in hiding or something? Hiding? Why would she... Because Holiday knows I've lodged a bullying complaint with the school. for the way she assaulted me the other day. Oh, that. You've heard of frozen shoulder syndrome? I can't even lift my arm over my head. I've contacted my lawyer, you know. You have a lawyer? Holiday is going to be in so much trouble for what you did to me.
Dude, Brindley, Holiday did the same thing to me. Just attacked me like a wolverine crossed with a honey badger. See? The girl's a monster in the making. Even Kathy here. Casey. Casey Dupree? That's what I said. Casey is a victim. And one who wears glasses, no less. So many have suffered. I say we take her down, Brindley. Agreed. Cool. Let's do this. High five.
Did you just take a photo of us? To what? Prove we're friends? Kinda lame. And desperate. Actually, it proves you're a liar, Brindley. What? Thought you couldn't move your arm over your head. But... What's that? That's a pic of you going up high. But, I... Ew! No wonder you have no friends. Bye. Thanks for visiting. I didn't need your help, Casey.
I wasn't helping you. I just wanted to see Brindley squirm. The girl has tortured me in my kind forever. Your kind? Science nerds. People smarter than she thinks she is. You know, us. The pic's on Instagram in case you want it. Not that I think she has a lawyer or anything. But just in case, she has no case. Gotta go. Later, Cyrus. Later, Casey.
So, Principal Palais, we really don't want to wake Holiday while she's not feeling well. She needs her rest. That's funny, because I don't think she's resting at all. I'm sorry? If I didn't know any better, I'd guess she wasn't even in the house. Do you even know where Holiday is? I don't know what you're insinuating. I'm not insinuating anything. I'm flat out telling you that your daughter seems to be trouble. Trouble that you can't handle.
Now, wait a second. Holiday is not trouble. She's been through more in a year. She's a smart, brave, amazing girl, and we are lucky to have her in our lives. Great speech, Dr. Anders, but unless you want me to call Child Protective Services, I'd suggest you tell me, where is Holiday? Did someone say my name? Holiday? What are you doing here? I mean, what are you doing out of bed? The meds had me woozy, but I heard you talking about me.
You were upstairs this whole time? Where else would I be? I bet I know why you're here. I know I've had a rough start at Whittier Middle School Principal Palais. It hasn't been an easy adjustment, but... Lying in bed these past couple days has made me realize how I've been acting lately. And I'm not proud of it. Once it get better, I'll start taking school more seriously. I promise.
Okay. That's all I wanted to hear. Get better soon, Holiday. I'll show myself out. Hi, guys. Oh, Holiday. You're home. No, the group hug was coming. Squeezing a little tight there, Anders. Where have you been? Here, um, in the attic. The whole time? You had us worried sick. I know. And I heard what you said to the principal about me. Every word was true. You're staying, right? Before I agree to that, I'd like to negotiate the terms.
If the two of you are really on my side. We are. If you really want to help. We do. We absolutely do. Good. I'll stay out of trouble at school if you help me find the person who knew me before you did. The only one who can help me get the answers I need. Help me find Badger. Hi, this is Ava DeMerry, and I play Brinley in six minutes. For more great podcasts, check out GZMShows.com. Shh, it's starting. GZM Shows. Imagination.