The fluorescent lights flicker in the empty classroom, casting long shadows across the rows of desks. Sunny sits at her desk, hunched over her books, listening to the distant sound of laughter and chatter from the other students in the hallway. As the last bell rings, signaling the end of the school day, Sunny slowly gathers her belongings, her heart pounding in her chest. The air feels cool against her skin, and the faint smell of whiteboard markers hangs in the room.

She approaches Mr. W's desk, her footsteps barely making a sound on the linoleum floor. He looks up from his papers, his eyes narrowing slightly behind his glasses. The sight of him sends a shiver down her spine, a strange mix of fear and excitement coursing through her veins.

"Miss Ward," he says, his tone even but firm. "Do you have any idea why I might have called you here today?"

Sunny swallows hard, the taste of mint gum suddenly bitter in her mouth. She can feel the weight of his gaze on her, and she knows this conversation could change everything between them—for better or for worse.