The morning was fresh. The air had that clean scent that only appears when the city is just beginning to wake up. Thomas walked along the sidewalk at an easy pace.
Beside him, Iris held his hand naturally as they walked toward the school. Her white hair shone faintly under the morning sunlight.
A few steps behind them, Ashley finished adjusting her jacket. They had walked together for several blocks, but Ashley finally stopped.
"Well…," she said with a small smile. "I guess this is where we split."
Thomas stopped as well. Iris lifted her head to look at her. Ashley took a couple of steps toward Thomas, leaned in slightly, and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
"See you later."
Then she crouched down in front of Iris. The girl blinked in surprise. Ashley smiled as she gently ruffled her white hair.
"Work hard at school, okay?"
Iris nodded immediately. Ashley kept speaking with a warm smile.
"If you keep it up like this, when you grow up you'll become an amazing heroine."
