PaRt 2 PjO fAnFiC

Instructions

The next afternoon, Leo gathered everyone in the recreation room. “Today,” he announced, “Hazel learns about social media.” Hazel frowned. “Is that the monster from yesterday?” “Worse,” Nico said from the couch. Leo opened an app on his phone. “This is a social media feed.” Hazel leaned closer. “Why are there so many pictures of people’s lunches?” “People like sharing their lives,” Piper explained. “Even their sandwiches?” “Especially their sandwiches.” Hazel scrolled through the screen. She saw dancing videos, dramatic arguments, vacation pictures, and a dog wearing sunglasses. “Why is the dog famous?” “Because he has more followers than most people,” Leo said. Hazel looked horrified. “The dog has an army?” “Not exactly,” Annabeth replied. “Followers are people who choose to see what you post.” “So they follow you without walking behind you?” “Correct.” “That is somehow more confusing.” Percy showed her a video. “This is a meme.” Hazel watched a picture of a confused-looking goose accompanied by dramatic music. “What is the goose trying to say?” “Nobody knows,” Nico said. “Then why is everyone sharing it?” “Nobody knows that either.” Hazel nodded slowly. “The modern world has many mysteries.” Just then, Thalia pointed at the screen. “Careful, Leo. You almost liked that post.” Leo gasped and pulled the phone away. “That was close!” “What would happen?” Hazel asked. “Everyone would know I liked it,” Leo said. “Why is that dangerous?” “Because it was embarrassing.” Hazel considered this. “Then why did you open it?” Leo paused. “Excellent question.” Piper taught Hazel about hashtags, comments, and private messages. Hazel listened carefully until she heard about online arguments. “People fight with strangers they have never met?” “All the time,” Annabeth said. “Why?” “Usually because someone used the wrong opinion.” Hazel looked at Nico. “Can they simply stop talking?” “They could,” Nico said. “They usually don’t.” Suddenly, Leo’s phone made a loud buzzing noise. “What was that?” Hazel asked. “A notification.” “Is it dangerous?” “Only if there are too many.” The phone buzzed again. Then again. Soon, everyone’s phones began lighting up. Leo stared at the screen. “Someone posted a picture of us yesterday.” Hazel leaned over his shoulder. “Why are there hundreds of comments?” Percy read one aloud. “‘Who is the girl holding the popcorn?’” Hazel pointed to herself. “That is me.” “Congratulations,” Piper said. “You are going viral.” Hazel’s eyes widened. “Am I sick?” “No,” Annabeth said. “It means many people are talking about you.” “Without asking?” “Pretty much.” Hazel immediately hid behind Nico. “I do not like this monster.” Nico pulled his hood over his head. “That is the correct response.” Leo took back the phone and deleted the post. The buzzing stopped. Hazel peeked out. “Is the monster gone?” “For now,” Leo said. Hazel picked up her popcorn and sighed. “I prefer microwaves. At least they only beep when the food is ready.” Everyone agreed that this was the wisest thing she had said all day. Then Leo’s phone buzzed one more time. Hazel slowly turned toward it, eyes wide. “Holy Hera,” she whispered. “The monster is back!”