Orkael drags a heavy cardboard box into the center of the classroom. The wheels squeak against the linoleum floor.
She opens the lid to reveal a crinkly, silver dress. Orkael pulls it on and spins until the room blurs.
Orkael stands tall in front of the mirror, but the skirt gets caught on a chair leg. She tugs hard.
Paolina hands Orkael a spool of bright blue thread and a needle. Orkael stitches the tear carefully.
Orkael walks around showing off the mismatched blue patch. She helps a crying classmate, smiling as the friend hugs her new dress.
The sun sets over the quiet school. The classroom holds its breath, waiting for tomorrow's adventures to begin again.
Silence fills the room where laughter once echoed. The silver dress rests quietly on a hook, ready for next time.
Moonlight spills through the window onto the floor. The classroom dreams of the joy it will bring soon.