Alina washed her face and felt a little fresher before stepping back into the wide, quiet hall. On a small table set against the wall rested the gift she had prepared for Lucien. She picked it up, wanting to give it to him personally once he woke, and then continued toward the rest room.
"Teacher!!!"
The sudden cry nearly made her drop her bag. She spun around—only to see Boo hanging upside down right in front of her face.
"Boo!" she gasped, pressing her hand to her chest. "You scared me half to death."
He giggled, floating lazily in the air with his little legs crossed. "Boo come here because Boo wasn't sleepy. Boo is bored." His voice trailed into a pitiful whine as he puffed his cheeks.
Alina sighed in relief, shaking her head with a soft smile.
"Teacher, what's inside that box?" Boo asked suddenly, pointing a finger toward the gift bag. His eyes sparkled with nosy curiosity.
Alina chuckled and shook her head. "I can't tell you, Boo."
