Matthew is nowhere to be seen at training the next day. When we arrive at the gym for the day's practice, Rachel is the only one waiting for us. Once everyone gets there, she stands on the raised platform at the center of the room and starts talking.

"Matthew will not be joining us for the next several days." I know for a fact his absence has something to do with me. I fight the guilt that's threatening to eat me alive. It's his fault. Coward. Coward. Coward.

I chant the insult over and over again, trying to get rid of the regret that's starting to get to me. "So. For the time being, Dauntless-borns and transfers will train together." Everyone looks confused. "Why?"

One of the transfers near the front can't help but voice what everyone else in the room must be thinking. "That's none of your business, initiate." She glares, and he looks away. "Any more questions?" When no one answers, she smirks. "That's what I thought. You'll practice getting through your landscapes again."

Cassandra walks up next to me and rolls her eyes. "Oh, joy." I laugh. "Good morning, beautiful." She blushes, and I kiss her forehead. "You'll do fine, I promise." We follow the rest of the group and down the hall where the simulation room is located.

She shrugs. "I hope so. I wonder why Matthew's not going to be here today. Did you find out anything about where he is?" I do my best to look clueless.

"No idea. I found out seconds ago. Like you," I add hastily. "It's still weird, don't you think?" I scratch my head. "Well... yeah. He probably had something else he needed to do or whatever. I don't know."

Cassandra nods. "Probably." Yawning, she sits down on one of the chairs inside the waiting room and leans her head on my shoulder. "God, I'm tired." I grin. "Want to go back to bed?" She laughs. "I'd love to, but I don't think Rachel will let me." I put my arm around her and sigh. "I know. There's no way to get out of this, so the best thing we can do is rest. Go on. I'll wake you up when it's your-"

I look down at her and realize she's already asleep. Chuckling, I give her a kiss on the cheek and hug her close.