10

Isabelle writes down your name on her clipboard with a flourish. "We'll see you later, Pedro!" she says. "Don't be late!"

Isabelle pats Gonzalez on the shoulder. "We're looking forward to tonight!" she says.

Hartmann sighs and mutters something about the Gallatin Swans' priorities being skewed, but even they cannot dampen the feverish atmosphere.

The Dinner Gong Rings

When you arrive at dinner, Gonzalez has already settled at a table with the Swans, and waves frantically to you; you pick up dinner, which turns out to be boiled chicken with potato and cauliflower cheese, and fruit salad for dessert. The team squeezes along the bench to allow you to sit next to Gonzalez, who beams at you. "This is so exciting," she says. "Can you believe we're going to be in a real college team?"

"Finish up quickly," Isabelle sings out, "and then we'll start!"

Between Gonzalez and Isabelle, the enthusiasm is infectious. Once dinner is finished, you stride alongside them towards the dorm, with the rest of the team trotting behind.

"As is traditional," Isabelle says as you troop upstairs, "we're doing the Addario Run!"

Gonzalez whoops.

"It's a pajama forest run," Isabelle explains. "For endurance and team-building!"

"We need to start before moonrise!" Isabelle calls.

You get changed into as decent nightclothes as you can, and slip on your running shoes. Gonzalez is wearing a baggy white vest and shorts, and when she emerges into the fading light, she has the look of a ghostly apparition.

"You'll see the route signs," Isabelle says. A couple of Grace Building recruits hang back behind you and Gonzalez, looking nervous; the team starts a slow clap, chanting "Addario, Addario."

Ready, Set, Go!