The ride to school brought with it another surprise. Instead of following the usual route, Linda drove along an unfamiliar path to another part of town. When they passed their usual turn, Jon pointed, looking at her mother for answers.
Picking up on her new daughter's question, Linda explained, "Since you've been changed by the virus, you'll be attending the alternate branch of your school. Don't worry about your things. The principal has already arranged to have them sent over."
Digging out a paper and pencil from her backpack, Jon scrawled out, Alternate branch?
Glancing at the paper, Linda gave the stone girl a confused look. "Don't you remember? Almost every school below college level has a second campus for students going through the virus. Sometimes, the effects of the virus are unpredictable and even dangerous, so a separate campus allows each school to monitor a student's changes in a more controlled environment. Ever since that electro-kinesis case years ago, people all agreed it was necessary."
This bit of news made Jon dizzy. It seemed Karyn's wish had farther reaching consequences than they had anticipated.
Meanwhile, Linda interpreted Jon's posture as one of trepidation. "It's okay, Jon. It won't be so bad. Karyn's already there. Her mother told me she was transferred there yesterday. It's unfortunate that her symptoms didn't show until she was already at school. Otherwise, she would've been transferred before you or anyone else got exposed."
Jon thought back to the day before. She had noticed that Karyn had vanished about halfway through the day, but she had assumed she was sent home early. Also, it occurred to her that the hallways had felt a lot less crowded than before, which made sense if the student body was spread between two campuses.
Just then, they arrived at their destination. Linda quickly found a space in the parking lot.
"Here we are, Jon. Go on in. They're expecting you, so you'll probably have to see the school nurse for a checkup. I'll go to the office. They said they had some forms I have to update."
