Near the window,… Kelpie whispered, "Best school day ever."
Rocky nodded seriously. "Yes. Very educational."
And in the middle of it all, Drake slipped off the chair and landed with a thump, immediately pointing at Boo again, while Boo spun upside down and declared himself future legend of leadership, Luna barked rule violations, Vlad Jr. tried to restore civilization, and the entire classroom buzzed with chaotic, ridiculous, childish determination that somehow, in its own messy way, felt warm and alive.
However, by the time they finally ran out of arguments, out of dramatic speeches, and out of energy to glare at each other, a strange silence settled over their little circle. It took exactly three seconds for the realization to spread across their faces like slow sunrise.
They turned.
They counted.
They blinked.
Classroom was empty.
Kelpie.
Rocky.
Felix.
Sable.
Lucien.
Gone.
