Alina looked down at Boo.
The little ghost was still sleeping, unaware of the revelation happening around him. Unaware that the priest who visited him, who brought him toys, who let him talk for hours about nothing, was his father.
Her heart ached.
She looked up.
Sir Santo was walking away.
He was moving toward the door, toward the hallway, toward Class D. His steps were slow, heavy, as if each one cost him something. His wings dragged behind him, and his halo flickered like a candle in the wind.
"Wait," Alina said.
She gently transferred Boo to Miss Kelly's arms.
"Take care of him," she said.
Miss Kelly nodded, holding the sleeping ghost close.
Alina ran after Sir Santo.
She caught up to him in the hallway, near the door to Class D. The corridor was empty and dark, lit only by the faint glow of the priest's dim halo.
"Wait," she said again, breathless.
Sir Santo stopped.
He didn't turn around.
"What?" he asked, his voice flat.
Alina stepped closer.
