The Start of Junior Year

The year had flown by—though not really all that quickly—and before long, it was time for school to start again. For once, Peter did not swing straight to Midtown High School. Instead, he rode to school in Uncle Ben's car. New York looked very peaceful today—and in fact, it really was.

There was no alien invasion, nor were any villains causing trouble in the streets. Uncle Ben chatted with Peter about what had happened when he and Aunt May went to Pittsburgh, and time passed quickly. Uncle Ben drove Peter right up to the entrance of Midtown High School.

"I'm glad you listened to me ramble all the way here without looking impatient, kid."

As he spoke, Uncle Ben looked at Peter in the rearview mirror. Peter smiled and said goodbye to Uncle Ben before getting out of the car. He had only taken a couple of steps toward the school when someone patted him on the back—but he already knew someone was coming, so he did not react at all.

"Glad to see you walking on the ground, man."

Harry walked over to Peter with a smile, then asked, "Why didn't you reply when I contacted you several times over the summer? And afterward, you said it wasn't convenient to explain. Did you run into some trouble?"

"Strictly speaking, I didn't run into a little trouble. I ran into a whole lot of trouble. Earth must be cursed, because severe disasters are happening practically every moment."

Peter could not help yawning. Harry fell into thought. "I wonder if there's any way left to become a superhero."

Peter glanced at Harry. "What do you think your dad would do if he found out? Inject himself with a tube of Green Goblin serum and beat you up?"

"How could that be?