The classroom slowly emptied.
Chairs scraped. Bags zipped. Students filed out, some still whispering about the simulated exams.
Others were already planning team strategies or gossiping about the trio—Ethan and the Moonshade twins.
Mr. Halden stayed behind.
He watched the last student walk out, waited until the soft click of the door closed, then turned off the projector and packed up his tablet.
The lights returned to full brightness, bathing the room in quiet stillness.
He stood there for a moment, exhaling softly through his nose, then made his way toward the hallway.
The teachers' corridor was quieter than usual. Most faculty were either in meetings or on break, and only the faint hum of wall panels and cooling systems filled the air.
But whenever a teacher or a student passed by, they would always say 'hello' or nod and Mr. Halden responded back with a smile.
He walked steadily down the hall until he reached a dark wood door with a black plaque:
Principal's Office
