Driiiiing!
The bell rang. Loud. Sharp. Finally.
Nathan sat up a little straighter in his tiny chair, his small fingers already busy closing his notebook and pushing his crayons back into the box. His backpack felt heavier today. Or maybe it was his heart.
Finally, school's done.
He hopped off his chair, stretching his arms with a little yawn. Now I can go home…
His tiny sneakers squeaked softly against the floor as he tidied up. It felt weird—really weird—to be in school without Maya. Even though they were always in different classes, she was... well... there.
They'd always come to school together. They'd always go home together. And now? She wasn't here.
Nathan pouted quietly to himself as he zipped up his backpack. I miss Maya...
"Hey, Nathan."
A voice made him look up. Julio stood there, right by his desk, his hands behind his back and a funny little frown on his face.
"Is Maya really sick?" Julio asked, tilting his head like a curious puppy.
