The final homeroom bell pulled me from a half-sleep state that had become my default setting throughout the day. My notebook page remained empty except for a single doodle of what might have been a cat or possibly a malformed cloud. Even I wasn't sure what I'd been attempting to draw.
Mr. Patterson cleared his throat at the front of the classroom, and for the first time in living memory, he closed his fantasy novel without marking his page. A collective gasp rippled through 3-A. This was serious business.
"Listen up," he called, his voice carrying an unusual edge of enthusiasm that made several students exchange worried glances. "I'm announcing extra credit opportunities for anyone willing to come in on Saturdays to help with decorations for the festival."
Felix elbowed me. "Extra credit? You don't need that."
"Maybe I just want to build maid cafés out of the goodness of my heart," I whispered back.
