The sun was dipping low outside the school gates, casting soft amber streaks on the floors of the small waiting area. Lara sat on one of the low benches, her posture relaxed, listening to Ram chatter animatedly about a new cartoon she’d seen. The little girl’s eyes sparkled with excitement, her tiny hands flailing as she described her favorite scene.
“…and then Ate bought me a new pink unicorn! It lights up when you press its tummy, and it even sings, Teacher Lara!” Ram beamed.
Lara smiled, brushing a strand of hair from the little girl’s forehead. “Really? That sounds magical.”
Ram nodded excitedly. “I’ll bring it tomorrow!”
Just then, Maera, her assistant, called out from across the room, “Ram! Your guardian’s here.”
Ram perked up immediately, scrambling to her feet with an excited
