Lucien's eyes flickered thoughtfully.
Sable smiled faintly.
Even Felix opened one eye more than usual.
"Today," Alina said, picking up a book, "we will start with a short story. And after that, I want each of you to tell me one new word you learned and one feeling you felt while listening. There is no wrong answer."
Boo slowly raised his hand.
"Yes, Boo?" she asked patiently.
"If I feel hungry while listening… is that also a feeling?"
The class burst into laughter.
Alina pressed her lips together, trying not to laugh too. "Yes, Boo. That is also a feeling. But please don't eat the book."
"I make no promises," Boo said seriously.
Drake leaned over and whispered loudly, "He tried once."
"I was curious!" Boo defended dramatically.
Alina shook her head, smiling helplessly, then opened the book and began reading, her voice calm and gentle, slowly filling the classroom.
