After Alina's warm language lesson, she let her babies have a short break. The classroom door burst open with tiny squeaks and giggles as they all ran outside to stretch their legs. Boo floated after them, spinning like a little ghost kite in the breeze. Drake shouted about racing Luna, and she growled at him in return.
Alina stayed behind, letting the peaceful silence settle in the room. She tidied up the chalkboard, stacked the picture cards, and placed the leftover star stickers back in her desk drawer. She poured herself a small glass of cool water and leaned against her desk, sipping slowly.
They did so well today, she thought fondly, a soft smile on her lips. Little stars, every one of them.
She was just about to peek outside when she heard the faintest squelch of wet footsteps. She looked up and saw Kelpie standing in the doorway alone — his soft blue hair dripping tiny droplets onto the floor, his shirt damp around the collar.
