Alina stood frozen in place, her hands still slightly lifted, eyes wide as she stared at the empty space where Boo had been just moments ago. The warmth in the room felt like it had vanished along with him, and the air grew still, too still like even the walls were holding their breath.
"Where… where did he disappear to?" Alina whispered, her voice cracking, barely audible. Her eyes scanned the room slowly, searching for any sign of that little ghost boy.
But there was nothing.
Just silence and the soft, confused breathing of her students.
Then—
She felt a gentle tug on her dress.
She looked down.
Sable.
He looked up at her, his big eyes anxious, his little hand still holding onto her fabric like a lifeline.
"H-he hide…" he said softly, voice small and unsure. "He's sad… so he hide."
Alina's eyes softened instantly. She crouched down and cupped Sable's cheek gently. "Thank you, Sable. I understand now."
He nodded slowly, almost relieved that she wasn't upset.
