Simon Davidson, meanwhile, had walked out to the school parking lot in a daze, thanks in part to his strange situation and part to the beginning of a mental regression into a much simpler mindset. His body was also showing the first signs of change, having already lost a few years of his life, his body growing softer and smaller and darker.
Not long after Simon had entered the parking lot, Kaitlyn Ross came out of the school to fetch supplies from her car. Noticing Simon, she wondered what a boy his age was doing on his own. She walked over, giving Simon a comforting smile.
"Hey there," she said warmly. "What are you doing out here? Where's your mommy?"
Simon looked up, confused by Kaitlyn's questions but his mind too foggy to respond.
Luckily, Kaitlyn produced an answer on her own. "Wait, I know you. You're one of Sierra's daughters. You must have come all this way to see her. Sorry, sweetie, but your mom's not here right now. She had to go home. Something about your auntie, I think. Hold on one moment, I'll call here now..." she said, pulling out her cell phone.
