Chapter 22

inly couldn’t help but feel that Eugene’s approach was missing the print. If people judged her based on her appearance, it was their issue. She thought that instead of just making her feel better, Eugene should be teaching them to be more accepting

But as she was about to say something, she noticed Mandy beside her, wiping her eyes. Mandy was looking down, crying softly, her tears falling in big drops and her body shaking just a bit.

Following Quinlyn’s gaze, Eugene sighed and gently patted Mandy’s head. “Mandy went through some rough times last semester with this kind of stuff, but she made it through. Right, Mandy?”

Mandy sniffled and slowly nodded. “Yeah”

“Good girl.” Eugene smiled softly and reached out, his fingers lightly touching Mandy’s neck.

Her hair was tied in two neat braids, leaving her neck bare. Eugene’s hand lingered there for a moment, and Quinlyn watched, her brow furrowing in confusion

When they reached the classroom door, the bell hadn’t rung yet. Eugene told Mandy to go inside first, then turned to Quinlyn. “Let’s wait and go in when class starts,” he suggested gently.

“It’ll be a fun surprise for everyone. We can hang out in the office for a bit, and I’ll get you some candy,” he added.

Eugene’s voice was smooth and coaxing, but Quinlyn shook her head. She didn’t take candy from strangers–especially not after hearing stories of poisoned treats in the borderlands. She suspected this teacher had something similar in mind.

“Don’t be scared. Your brother asked me to keep an eye on you, remember?” Eugene said, giving her a reassuring smile.

Quinlyn hesitated, then nodded slowly. But as she began to follow Eugene, a kid at the classroom door shouted, “Quinlyn“”

In an instant, kids streamed out from the classroom, rushing to crowd around her.

Is that Quinlyn? The one who stopped the robber?” one kid asked.

“Yeah, she was like a superhero! Like Spider–Man, another kid replied

“No way, she was more like Batman,” a third kid chimed in.

were all hyped up, their eyes wide with excitement, like they were

mall and glanced up at Eugene. I know these kids. It won’t

trying to

be the star of the show. But instead of gawking at

of the kids called out “Quinlyn is so clueless. She’s never even seen

“Harriet, get

dolls. That’s insane, another girl

she’s never collected trading cards, someone else added.

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Tue, 18 Mar

Chapter 29

all turned to Harriet, waiting

from the sticks. Of course, she’s never heard of that stuff. Guess she’s

backwaters, thinking they were unsophisticated. But today, they didn’t

bite.

she can save people just like he

big deal. Dolls can’t stop

She slumped in her seat, too angry to move for the rest of the morning study period.

As she passed Mandy’s desk, she knocked her pencil case to the floor and stomped on it

back of the classroom, watching Mandy bunch over to gather the pens scattered

on the

found Mandy’s reaction strange and didn’t move to help. She figured Mandy could handle

herself.

first day, Quinlyn quickly picked up the basics. She initially struggled with the first chapter, but soon found her rhythm and

some familiar letters in the textbook and realized it was Mordorian–the same language

the whole class learning the alphabet and memorizing as many words as she could. By the end of the morning classes, her brain

was a chubby boy who had a secret stash of snacks in his desk. He’d sneak bites every now and then, always worried Quinlyn would ask him to share.

so she stayed quiet–even

on her desk. Looking over, she saw a piece of chocolate. She glanced up to see Mandy, with her hair in

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