HER

Part 2

Maki woke up and roused the others, while Alice prepared breakfast. The three kids took turns in the bathroom getting ready for school. Once they were ready, breakfast was too, and they all ate before heading to school. The day was going smoothly until they encountered an 8th grader. "Watch it, losers!" Jake yelled. As he reached out towards Maki, Alice intervened. "HEY, DON'T TOUCH HIM!" she shouted, pulling Jake away and punching him before dragging him to the principal's office. "Maki, are you okay?" Mara asked, holding Maki's hand. Maki began to panic, so Mara embraced him. "Shh, it's okay, everything's going to be alright," she soothed. Andy gathered Maki's belongings. "Should we go to the principal's office or just back to our dorm?" Andy whispered. "We... should... go to... the principal's office," Maki replied softly. Mara helped Maki to his feet and offered her jacket, which Maki donned, holding Mara's hand as they walked to the principal's office. Upon arrival, the principal, who was scolding Jake, noticed them and calmed down. "Hello, you three. Maki, dear, you and your friends can take a break from school, okay?" Mrs. Miller said. "O...okay," Maki responded. "Jake, I will be calling your parents... You all may go," Mrs. Miller stated. Alice stood and opened the door for the three kids. After they left, the four returned to the dorm. They stowed their things, and Maki changed into pajamas and lay down in bed to rest. "Maki, dinner is ready. You can have some whenever you're ready," Mara said, cracking the door open. "Mhm," Maki murmured. Later, Maki asked Alice to bring him some food, so he wouldn't have to get up. After eating, Maki retreated to his room, crying on his bed. "Hey, bud, are you feeling, okay? If you want, we can cuddle until you fall asleep, or watch a show or something," Alice offered. "That... would be nice," Maki replied. Eventually, they both fall asleep.