Chapter 20 Lonely
The day had felt long but sweet filled with tiny giggles, sticky fingers, running feet, and glitter that somehow ended up in places it shouldn’t.
Alina’s body was tired, her shoulders slightly sore, her feet aching in her shoes. But her heart? It was strangely full.
As the final bell rang and the soft orange glow of evening light poured over the kindergarten building, a peaceful stillness settled in. She stood at the front courtyard with her little students, now all cleaned up, each one holding their tiny backpacks or lunch bags, waiting for someone to take them home.
She had expected parents. Somehow, in her mind, she imagined warm reunions—a soft hug from a mother with the same wolf-like eyes as Luna, a proud vampire father picking up Vlad Jr. with a graceful nod, a cheerful elemental couple waving at Drake. Maybe even a nod from Felix’s mysterious guardian.
But instead, one by one, all that came were drivers. Quiet, efficient, perfectly dressed drivers with polite bows and silent goodbyes. Some arrived in cars, others in floating carriages or magical transports, each one whisking away a child without much conversation.
Drake was the first to go, waving at her from the back window with both hands, his face smooshed against the glass as he shouted something she couldn’t hear.
Vlad Jr. left with the same elegance he always carried, walking like a tiny prince into a waiting shadow carriage.
Boo floated into a glowing vehicle while throwing glitter into the air like confetti.
Luna transformed mid-run and climbed into a howling wolf-shaped ride, muttering something about being late for her nap.
Even Kelpie was carefully carried into a fog-covered transport, holding his bag like a treasure chest.
Rocky gave Alina a quiet wave as he left with someone.
And then... the noise faded. The others were gone. Only one remained.