In less than a minute, the announcement hall was filled. All the higher graders were already seated, waiting for the news. But young Aria already knew.
And so did I.
"Good day, everyone," Ms. Susanna began. "I'm glad to see all your faces here. Seventh graders and above, you're already familiar with the tradition for sixth graders. This year is no different."
As expected, the hall grew rowdy with murmurs.
"If you remember," she continued, shifting her gaze to the sixth graders row "we assigned a presentation titled 'People Who Changed the World.' What you may not have known is that it wasn't just a presentation—it was a traditional test."
The room slowly quieted.
"It's a test all sixth graders take," Ms. Susanna said, her voice steady, "to show us which students carry a spark… and the potential to become something more."
Young Aria wore a smile the entire time.
"What?!" Marie whispered, amused. "Aria, did you know about this? Is this what you've been thinking about?"
"Yes," Aria replied, still smiling.
"Then why didn't you tell me?" Marie asked.
"Because I thought you knew" she said but the smile faded slightly
"How would I?" Marie looked genuinely confused
"You know what never mind, I kind of expected it to be announced," Aria said. "so thank God I didn't say a word, if you didn't know why should I have been the one to ruin the surprise."
Meanwhile, Ms. Susanna continued, her voice carrying through the hall.
"The school authorities considered calling only the sixth graders," she said. "But it only makes sense that the seventh graders and above are here as well—so they can witness the introduction of our school's new representatives."
Back then I was slowly and gradually turning into a mistake and Watching it now, my chest tightened. I already knew where this path ended.
"So, this is the list of a few sixth-grade students who will join other students from higher grades to represent the school in upcoming competitions," Ms. Susanna announced. "First on the list—Robin Miller."
Applause filled the hall as Robin stepped forward.
"Second, we have Genevieve Buckethead," Ms. Susanna continued.
I felt it then—the moment of truth drawing closer. My tears no longer waited for permission. I wished, that everything could halt like they did with the loop, but I knew better than to predict things here.
Two more names were called before she reached the second-to-last one.
"Fourth is Lewis Hamilton."
I saw him—the same boy who used to stare at young Aria when she wasn't looking. He stepped forward with more confidence than anyone else, almost like a model walking a runway. I watched as young Aria studied him—his movements, his features. She had never done that with anyone before.
There was something about him. Something different.
"And last, but certainly not least," Ms. Susanna said, pausing deliberately, "we saved the best for last—Ariana Larken." The room blurred for a second
Young Aria looked surprised—not because her name was called, but because she had expected to hear Marie's as well. The realization hit her hard. Still, she swallowed her shock, straightened her back, and stepped forward.
And just like that, the path was sealed.