Before the class went for tea break that day, Daryl Gilbert lifted his hand to ask a question.
"Yes, Daryl," Ms. Candice pointed at him.
"I want to ask about my friend, Ms. Candice."
"Oh. I thought it's about the story I just read you. Go ahead."
"It's about Ray…"
The teacher immediately frowned sadly. "What about Ray?"
"He has not been coming to school. Is he still missing? Where is he, Ms. Candice? Is he okay?"
She hesitated to respond, dozens of sparkling eyes looking at her.
"He is…" she cleared her throat. "He is okay. And somewhere far far away where he is happy. And he loves you all but he can't come back…"
"So he will never play with us?" Derek asked sadly.
Ms. Candice nodded sadly. "Yes. But some day… Some day, you'll be able to see him and play with him again.
