"Just so you know, I heard every word you guys just said," Misery informed them. "Next time, if you're trying to have a private meeting, try talking a little quieter."
"Oops," Ruby said. "Sorry."
"And just so you know, I'm kind of relieved that you're worried," Misery said. "Honestly, I was starting to get concerned. It's good to know that you're not so blindly optimistic that after all this you still thought there was a 110 percent chance that everything was going to be all fine and dandy for sure."
"Was Ruby right about you?" Iris asked gently.
Misery nodded, just barely. "The fourteenth birthday is always the worst. I used to have six cousins- on my father's side, not sisters with Malady and Malaise- Malaria, Macabre, Maudlin, Melancholy, and Mournful. Each of them... died on their fourteenth birthday."
"That's awful, Misery," Ruby said sympathetically. "But that's not going to happen to you."
"I'm not so sure," Misery mumbled.
"Well, did they have a bunch of friends like us, who stuck by them to make sure nothing bad happened?"
"Nobody dared go near any of them on their fourteenth birthdays. You guys really should do the same."
"Friends make all the difference," Ruby announced.
"I hope you're right," Misery said.
"Come on! Let's party!" Iris yelled.
"Well, what do you want to do, Misery?" Ruby asked.
"Um... go somewhere where there are no people for at least a hundred miles and wait to die?" She attempted a smile, as if she'd made a joke, but failed to hide her, well, misery.
"Why don't we go home and have some cake," Ruby suggested.
"Sure," Misery sighed.