Chapter 62 Sad Luna
The next morning, Alina woke before the sun fully peeked through her curtains. She rubbed her eyes, feeling the warmth of her little house settle around her shoulders like a soft blanket. She stretched her arms above her head, her sleepy bones cracking just a bit, and let out a tiny laugh. Fourth day... two more to go, she thought, her heart fluttering with a mix of hope and nerves.
She pulled on her simple black skirt and a soft cream blouse. Her chestnut-brown hair swished as she brushed it into a neat ponytail — a few strands slipping out to frame her glowing face. She leaned closer to the mirror above her tiny dresser, tracing the sleepy lines under her deep hazel eyes. But even they couldn’t hide her bright smile.
She grabbed her notebook and phone, tucking them carefully into her bag. Her stomach rumbled softly, but she giggled to herself, her fridge would have something for her as always, thanks to that strange, wonderful magic.
She didn’t even pause at her door this time. She stepped out into the early hush of the kindergarten grounds, breathing in the crisp morning air. The forest at the edge of the grounds seemed calm today, no creepy shadows, just the gentle rustle of leaves as if the whole world was telling her You’re doing great. Keep going.
She didn’t go to the principal’s office this morning. Not today. She knew the routine by now and Dante’s sharp words still echoed in her head: "You don’t have to come to my office every morning." The thought made her cheeks warm. It was his way of trusting her or maybe just a sign that he didn’t want to see her nervous face every sunrise. Either way, she’d take it.
Clutching her bag tighter to her side, Alina made her way toward the staffroom. She could already picture Drake’s excited tail flicking, Luna’s grumpy snout buried in her beanbag, Boo floating around like a sleepy ghost, and tiny Sable blinking at her from the shadows.
Just two more days, she whispered to herself, a big, brave smile pulling at her lips as she stepped through the doors. I can do this.
After Alina exchanged a few gentle words with Gabriel in the staffroom, she felt her morning nerves settle a bit. His calm smile, the way he always listened without judgment — it made her feel like she really did belong here. She thanked him, then slipped away to the printer, carefully printed fresh worksheets — each one with tiny flowers, bats, or dragon doodles at the corners, just for her little monsters. She stacked them in her file, hugging it to her chest as she picked up the new attendance sheets.
Her footsteps felt light as she walked toward Class D. The hallway smelled faintly of warm bread and something sweet — maybe the kitchen staff were already baking for breakfast. Alina felt her lips curve into a soft smile at the thought of her babies’ faces lighting up over fresh treats.
But her smile vanished the moment she reached her classroom door.
She almost stepped right on Luna, the tiny gray wolf pup was curled in a tight ball, pressed against the doorframe like a little storm cloud. Alina froze mid-step, her eyes wide. Goodness! Sweetheart!