Minutes passed quickly.
When the time finally ran out, Alina clapped her hands lightly. "Alright, students. Time's up."
Chairs scraped against the floor. Papers were pushed forward almost instantly.
Some babies handed theirs over with proud little smiles, some with visible relief, and some with expressions that clearly said I survived… but at what cost. Boo handed his paper over like it was a sacred scroll, nodding solemnly as if passing down ancient wisdom.
Alina collected everything carefully, stacking the papers by roll number, making sure none were missing. She glanced over the pile, then looked back up at the class, her smile warm and encouraging.
"So," she asked gently, tilting her head, "how was your first paper?"
For one second, there was silence.
Then chaos.
Drake shot his hand up immediately. "Teacher, the ducks question was cute! I liked the ducks!"
Rocky nodded enthusiastically. "I counted very slowly so they wouldn't run away."
