Ace of Spades

Devon wants to go back inside to find Terrell, and Chiamaka has to physically restrain him from running back into the burning school. Suddenly, Terrell arrives, unhurt, and Devon hugs him. The three of them leave before the police arrive. They all go back to Terrell’s house and puzzle over who started the fire. Terrell asks Devon if he hates him because of his actions. Devon assures Terrell that he does not hate him and never could. The three of them spend the night at Terrell’s.

The next morning, the fire at Niveus is being broadcast on all the news channels. Chiamaka, Devon, and Terrell learn that there were three fatalities in the fire: a girl Chiamaka knew named CeCe, a boy in Devon’s music class, and Jamie. Chiamaka is overcome with emotion and wonders why she cares when “these people wanted to ruin [her] life” (406). She is especially angry with herself for crying over Jamie’s death. Devon asks her if she wants to go someplace quieter.

They go to a beach together. Devon explains that he used to come to the beach a lot whenever he felt overwhelmed when he was younger. He also admits that the beach is where he attempted suicide a few years earlier.