Then, the whole group came out of Seiko’s room and went to the entry, where they met Ms. Seki.

-Ms. Seki!- exclaimed all the girls.

-Harukaze! And you all!- exclaimed Ms. Seki in shock. -How did you get out of the school? No, wait… How did you find this place? Seiko said she never told you her address!

The girls took a while to answer as they were processing the situation in their heads. That’s when they realized: the spell run out a while ago. That was why they could open the diary. They looked at each other, knowing there was no way out of that situation.

-We… we looked on your folder in the faculty office- confessed Onpu.

-You… You all are in big trouble, but now’s not the time! Where’s Seiko?- asked Ms. Seki.

-She’s not here! Nobody’s here!- exclaimed Aiko.

-Yeah, there’s no clothing or anything! And all her books were in the garbage!- added Momoko.

Without saying a word, Ms. Seki rushed to Seiko’s room, confirming what the girls told her.

-Did you find anything? Do you know where she could be?- asked Ms. Seki.

-No, we don’t know what’s going on- answered Doremi. -We read her diary, but there was nothing in it…

-Ehm, Ms. Seki… There’s something here with your name… on the fridge.

Hazuki said that as she pointed to the door of the fridge. On it, stuck with a magnet, there was a folded paper that looked like a letter, with “To Ms. Seki” written on it. The teacher approached the fridge, took the paper and read it in low voice. The girls couldn’t here what she was reading, but they saw their teacher getting more pale as she read.

-I knew there was something wrong last night...- muttered Ms. Seki. -At least it’s not them, but I should have seen this coming…

-Ms. Seki, what’s going on? Where is Seiko?- asked Doremi worried.

Ignoring her, Ms. Seki took her cellphone and made a call.

-Police? I’m Seki, from Misora Elementary School. We talked earlier- said Ms. Seki. -I’m at her home. She ran away. She took all her clothing and I have a note. I don’t know, I don’t think she will go back there, but… OK, thank you. I will look for her as well.

As Ms. Seki was talking, Aiko noticed the paper on her hand. She approached the teacher stealthily and, with a quick move, she took it.

-Wait, Senoo!- exclaimed Ms. Seki.

The group gathered around Aiko, trying to cover her so Ms. Seki wouldn’t take the note back, as Aiko read:

“Dear Ms. Seki,

If you are reading this, that means I’m gone. I’m sorry for all the trouble I caused you and for wasting your time. You did a lot to help me and I appreciate it, but I just realized… It won’t work. It will never work. There won’t be any place for me. The best thing I can do is leaving, as far as I can, so I won’t cause any more trouble.

Still, I want to say… thank you. Thank you for everything you did for me. Even if it was for a while, I could be myself and felt loved. It has been a long time since someone cared about me that much. I will always remember what you did. But I’m sure you can do way more for other kids who need it. It’s better that you and Doremi and the girls and… everybody forget about me. It’s for the best.

Farewell,

Seiko”.

As Aiko stopped reading, everybody stopped moving, including Ms. Seki. The girls were in shock and the teacher was worried and sad.

-Wait… she’s gone?- asked Doremi. -But… why?

-Ms. Seki, what does this letter mean?- asked Momoko.

-Look, there’s no time!- exclaimed Ms. Seki. -I’m taking my bike and will look for Seiko. You all will go back to the school this instant!

-No! If Seiko is in trouble, we want to help!- exclaimed Hazuki.

-I’m not asking you, I’m ordering you: go back now!- exclaimed Ms. Seki almost shouting.

-No!- shouted Doremi. - We are not going back! We want to know what is going on with Seiko! We want to help because… she is our friend!

Ms. Seki was speechless. She took a look at all the girls: their eyes were full of determination. The teacher lowered her head a bit.

-Is that true? Are you her friends? Are you saying that seriously?- asked Ms. Seki with serious tone.

-Y… Yeah! We are her friends and we want to help!- insisted Aiko.

The teacher looked at her phone. She already called the police and they were already looking for Seiko. She could joined them later. Still, Ms. Seki placed a hand on her face and sighed.

-I don’t know how… but you all always end up getting involved in everything...- said Ms. Seki. -But maybe… Listen me because I will only say this once: I will tell you everything, but the truth is hard and shocking. If you really want to know it, you must remember this: you all are Seiko’s friends. What I am going to tell you doesn’t change who she is. If you change your mind after hearing her story… honestly, I will feel very disappointed. Still, do you want to know?

The girls were a bit confused and scared, but still, all of them agreed. Ms. Seki sighed again.

-Well, I live nearby. Come with me so I can prepare myself to take the bike. I will tell you everything there- said Ms. Seki.