there is power in self-sacrifice.

Yeah, I know. I’m just trying not to stress too much. I just wish I could find Theo.

You know Theo, he's always looking to help people. If you hear about any trips to the factionless, I'm sure he'll be around to advertise.

I don’t have anything that I could donate……but if I did I would gladly get you some.

Oh, hello, Annabeth. That's okay, I'm sure I'll find something from someone else.

Thank goodness. I mean, I didn’t think you guys would. I figured Mom and Dad would be a little shocked, but hey. They always liked honesty even if it wasn’t what they wanted to hear.

No, of course we wouldn't be upset. I mean, it would've been great to have you with us, but you made your choice just like we did, right?

Conner!

There's my favorite Erudite.

Exactly.  And I’m sure there are people who will donate supplies to help out.

You do? That'll be a big help. We can give the factionless some baked goods along with their meal.

Yeah, it would help. Unfortunately she’s a sneaky little shit, otherwise I probably would have found her by now.

Are there any particular places she would be interested in going to around here? Maybe we can find her there.

You may not mind it, but it’s not in the best interest of everyone to work there.  There’s plenty of other ways that I’m less of a hazard….so thank you, but no.

Whatever you think is best, Annabeth. I can't really judge for you.

It’s not a mistake though…..that’s the problem.

Honestly, I don't mind it, and I'm sure Peter won't, either. Just an option for when you graduate.

Not necessarily.  It’s better to look for a building that we could use the most.

Right. Then we'd have to get it inspected afterwards to make sure it's stable to use, of course.

Just a few things people have said recently. 

I--I'm sorry, Addie. Those comments should go to me, not you. 

That sounds like a plan.

I suppose we'd have to look for the biggest one, right? No matter what the condition it's in.

No…..I’d dump a pot, or I wouldn’t hear a timer, or ruin something…..it’s all happened before…

You're human, Annabeth. We all are; we all make mistakes, and you know what? That's okay. You're trying your best, right? That's all our faction asks for--it's all what any faction asks for. Your best.

I’ve walked through the factionless sector enough to know there are some buildings there that are rather stable.  They’d just need a little fixing up and then could work.

Wonderful. We can go look at them once the holidays are over to decide on one.

Oh……….as generous as that is I don’t think that would be a good idea.  I’d just be a hindrance.

You wouldn't be a hindrance. We need as much help as we can get.

I’m glad I could help.

Me too. I'm sure if we get it all together, you could always work there if you can't find another job.