"A millimeter?" Jade’s head snapped up, her eyes narrowing. "This was the nail I used to point at people I didn't like. It had authority . Now? Now I just look like I’m indecisive."

Suddenly, Sikowitz burst through the back doors, carrying a tray of coconuts and wearing a Viking helmet. "Why is there no drama?! I can smell the lack of conflict from the teachers' lounge! It smells like... beige!" "Jade broke a nail," Robbie mumbled, wandering in with Rex.

Beck leaned against the stage wing, sipping water. "She’s been in mourning for twenty minutes. She already gave the nail a name. Rest in peace, Brenda."

"Brenda was sharp. Brenda was lethal," Jade muttered, pacing the stage. "Now I have to file the rest of them down to match. I’ll look like I have... toddler hands ."

Sikowitz froze, his eyes widening. "A broken nail? On the eve of our 'Physicality in Menace' workshop? This is perfect! Jade, use the phantom pain! Act as if you've lost a limb! Tori, play the indifferent wind! André, give me some 'Tragedy at the Manicurist' on the keys!"

Jade hissed like a cat. "Keep your amateur grit away from me. If I’m going down, I’m going down with dignity."