The morning sun hadn’t even warmed the school’s brick walls yet when the bell rang, echoing down the halls. First period always felt heavier, like the air itself hadn’t woken up. Students shuffled in, yawning, rubbing their eyes, dropping backpacks with a thud.

Nina Mondragón sat at her desk near the window, pencil already tapping against her notebook. She was wide awake, though not from excitement. First period was Language Arts, and it was almost always the class where teachers sprung new projects. Projects usually meant group work. And group work usually meant trouble.

Across the room, Tristen Albright slouched into his seat, trying to look invisible. He wasn’t a morning person, and the idea of a surprise assignment wasn’t exactly how he wanted to start the day either.

The teacher smiled too brightly for this early hour, clutching a stack of notecards.
“Good morning, class! Today, we’re starting something fun—a presentation on imaginary friends.”

That woke a few kids up. Whispers broke out, some giggles.

Nina sat straighter, her eyes lighting up. Imaginary friends? Finally, a topic that wasn’t about dead presidents or the water cycle. She gripped her pencil tighter.

Tristen’s lips twitched like he was trying not to smile. Imaginary friends—he knew more about that than he’d ever admit.

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