Avery, no longer afraid, felt exhilarated and ready, recalling the refrain “I shall be released.” He walked to the Ward A children forming a circle, joined by Kalisha, Nicky, George, and Helen. He took Kalisha’s and Iris’s hands, acknowledging Iris’s fate and committing to protect his friends, especially Luke.

As a guard outside shouted unheard over the rising hum, the familiar Stasi Lights intensified into a commanding THOUGHT instructing them to close their eyes. With eyes shut, Avery and the group shared a vision of the Institute playground rather than personal memories, recognizing it as the place where their friendships solidified and their shared purpose formed.

In the vision, a massive, old-fashioned black telephone—fifteen feet tall—stood by the trampoline near the ditch Luke once used to escape. The Stasi Lights spun over the dial and handset as the circle of children surrounded it, channeling power. Avery began directing individuals to the playground, first sending Kalisha, then George, then Nicky, then Helen, each time seamlessly closing the circle as another child took the vacated hand.

Avery reflected on each friend’s significance: Nicky’s loyalty and defiance, Helen’s guidance and care, and the unity forged among all of them. He believed similar circles of children were rising in faraway Institutes, obeying the hum as their former targets once had, but now knowingly and willingly, turning obedience into revolt.

After Helen departed, Katie took her place in the circle, and Avery recognized it was time to act fully. Faint gunfire sounded outside, raising the stakes and urgency. Avery prayed it was not too late to help Luke and the others.

Finally, Avery relinquished his individual consciousness to merge with the collective hum and the Stasi Lights. With the circle complete and power peaking, he initiated the intended act: making a psychic long-distance call using the envisioned giant phone, signaling the start of a coordinated, global uprising of the Institutes’ children.