[Seeing Will struggle to lift himself puts a knot in Mike's stomach, and he's quick to join him leaning against the counter instead, arms bumping lightly.]

I'll go. [His smile is promise and assurance.] I haven't been in five months, so we'll both be kind of nervous.

[Much as he's always been an education-loving nerd, even stepping near school hasn't been on his mind in Deerington. It's seemed kind of pointless, given their situation, but he also didn't want to face the other kids without the support of any friends. Now, he'll at least have one. Just like kindergarten. Will and Mike against the world.]

Oh! [A thought occurs to him, and he doesn't bother to swallow his pizza first.] You can have my bike! This place just gave me a new one. I guess I'm growing.

[He sticks out one noodly leg to demonstrate.]