I sat back and watched her walk to the front. The doors opened, and she paused on the steps.
She turned her head, looked at me, and smiled.
"Bye," she said, raising her hand slightly.
I smiled back before I even thought about it. "Bye," I said quietly.
The doors closed, and the bus started moving again. I turned to the window and watched as her figure slowly disappeared from view. The street, the bus stop, and that small smile faded behind the glass as the bus picked up speed. I sighed and leaned back, letting the music fill my ears again.
When my stop came, I got off and stretched a little. The air felt cool, and the streets were lively. Kids were running around the park, laughing and chasing each other. A few people walked their dogs, others chatted near small shops. I saw some of my neighbors gathered near the corner, talking and laughing together.
One of them waved. "Hey, Sky! Back from school?"
"Yeah," I said, walking toward them.
They were kind people — always had been. I sat with them for a while, just talking about random things — school, the weather, the usual. It felt peaceful, like the world had slowed down a little after a long day.
As the evening sun started to set, painting the sky in orange and gold, I said goodbye and headed home.
The moment I stepped inside, Mom's voice came from the living room. "Sky, freshen up first. Dinner will be ready soon."
"Okay, Mom," I said, kicking off my shoes.
I went to my room, took a quick shower, and lay down on the bed. My body felt tired, but my mind… it was strangely calm. I put on some music and closed my eyes. Before I knew it, I drifted off to sleep.
I woke up later to Dad's voice calling me for dinner. "Sky! Dinner's ready!"
I rubbed my eyes, washed my face, and sat at the table. The smell of food instantly made me smile.
We talked a little while eating — just small things. Then Mom asked, "So, Sky, do you have to go early tomorrow?"
"Yeah," I said between bites. "For the discipline committee."
Dad nodded approvingly. "Good. Keep it up."
After dinner, I said goodnight and went back to my room. The day had been long but somehow… it didn't feel tiring anymore. I fell asleep quickly, not knowing whether tomorrow would bring another surprise.
The next morning, I woke up early, got ready, and stood at the bus stop. The cool morning air brushed against my face. The bus arrived a few minutes later, almost empty like yesterday. I climbed aboard, sat at the back, and watched the city slowly wake up outside the window.
When I reached school, I saw Daniel already waiting near the gate, looking half-asleep but still early as always.
"On time as usual," I said, walking up to him.
He smirked. "You too."
We went to the committee office together and picked up our armbands. The sun was still rising when students started entering through the gates. Our job was simple — make sure everyone was in proper uniform and followed the school rules.
I was halfway through when I suddenly heard someone call my name.
"Willy!"
I turned toward the voice — it was Chloe and Tia walking up together.
"Good morning!" Tia said brightly.
I smiled. "Good morning to you two."
They walked closer, both carrying their bags and wearing the same cheerful expressions from yesterday. Before I could say more, Daniel suddenly popped his head out from behind me with that same mischievous grin.
"Ah ah—ladies!" he said, pointing dramatically. "This side's for boys. You two should go that way."
Chloe blinked, confused for a second, then burst out laughing.
Tia looked between us, unsure whether to follow the rule or the moment. I sighed and shook my head.
The air turned a bit awkward for a moment.