23

You know what he said about answering people's questions, but you can't help but think that he wouldn't need so much time just for that alone. Even just a week must be a long time for somebody as busy as him to be away from his company, and part of you just doesn't believe that he would risk it without a good reason. But what if it isn't just about putting people at ease? What if, despite his apparent confidence, he isn't actually all too sure that his plans will have any support? Could he be worried that unless he stays in Silvertree to remind people of what he told them tonight, they might forget all about the benefits these developments might bring?

With a final wave, Mr. Clarence sits down, and your view of the stage is once again obscured by the back of his head.

"Okay—thank you for letting us know, Mr. Clarence." Dina nods at him but spends a good few moments just staring at the paper in front of her. It really looks as if she is struggling to process what she's just heard while keeping her composure. Eventually, however, she says in a perfectly steady tone:

"Let's move on to community notices."

The rest of the meeting seems to rush by—maybe because you already have so much on your mind. You catch a couple of announcements: a memo about a college scholarship the Town Council is offering to would-be students who have contributed to the local community, an open invitation from an ex-Town Council leader to attend his 80th birthday party at his house this Sunday, a warning not to trespass in any local abandoned properties, a request not to litter, and a reminder about the Town Fair that will be happening in the park on Saturday, in aid of a local charity that's hoping to clean up the town's lake and make it safe for swimming again. Everything else is kind of a blur.

Until—

"And that was the final point we had, so—the floor will now open for anyone who wishes to speak." Dina moves her stack of papers aside in favor of a thick notebook and a pen, which she holds at the ready. "Now's the time for questions, comments, or anything else you'd like to say—anything that may be on your mind."

People don't hesitate. Once again, hands shoot up, and Dina starts fielding questions. And you realize: this is it. The meeting's almost over—this might be your last chance to get the attention of the whole town (well, the whole room). You could make an impression on so many people—the only question is how?

You've never felt so unprepared; but this time, at least, you don't have the pressure of Mr. Clarence standing over you to psych you out. If you want to say anything, the only person you'll have to address is Dina.

Whatever you do, you know you can't let this moment go to waste.