"I got scared…"
Alina's heart ached. "Oh, honey," she whispered, "don't be scared. You're such a brave little rock! Strongest in the whole classroom! And guess what—Principal already chased the worm monsters away."
"Really?" Rocky asked, voice rising just a bit with hope.
"Yes," Alina said gently. "He scared them off with a big roar. Not a single worm monster would dare come near our classroom again."
Silence again. Then—
"…Even if they come," Alina added with a proud voice, "I know you can protect us. Because you're so strong! You could crush those mean little monsters under your rocky feet, right?"
"…You really think that?" Rocky whispered.
Alina smiled. "I know that, sweetheart. You're the strongest rock I've ever seen."
There was a soft sniffle. Then—"But… but teacher…"
"Yes, honey?"
"Kelpie told me worm monsters eat babies…" Rocky's voice trembled.
Alina gasped softly. "Oh my goodness… Kelpie told you that?"
