Firegirl

Jeff does not sit with Tom on the bus home. At Jessica’s condo, Tom notices a medicinal smell in the house and recognizes Jessica’s father as the man in the photograph. Jessica, startling Tom, invites him up to her room, and he feels compelled to follow. Her room is comfortable and “girly.” Tom nervously talks about the homework, and Jessica talks about the elections, hoping that Courtney will win. Tom is surprised at how much Jessica is speaking. Jessica admits that she hates her mom. Tom feels uncomfortable, so he talks about his parents.

Jessica, fortunately noticing only the first two words of The Human Torch comic in Tom’s backpack, asks which comic is his favorite. Tom, though he cannot believe he is talking about it, shares his theory that big powers, like those of Superman, make winning “too easy.” Small powers that no one wants are better for average people, who can get creative and make their small power incredible. He suggests uses for an indestructible finger and other powers.

Jessica weighs in. She imagines that lying still in her bed, she can sail through the air. Jessica thinks that superheroes are supposed to help people, and small powers would make that hard.