Chapter 10

                                    

                                          
The sun shines brightly as I walk to school, my heart fluttering excitedly.


Today, Quentin and I are supposed to meet under the oak tree during break to continue our dragon story.


I can hardly wait to see him and share our new ideas!


As I enter the schoolyard, I scan the area for Quentin. I don't see him by the oak tree where we usually meet. I look around, hoping he might be running late or that he'll appear any moment.


When break time arrives, I head straight to the oak tree, my anticipation growing with each step. I reach the spot where we always sit, but Quentin is nowhere to be found. My heart starts to sink, and a knot of worry forms in my stomach.


I sit down on the grass, pulling out our story notes and trying to distract myself with our plans. The minutes tick by slowly, and the laughter and chatter of other kids fade into the background. I feel a growing sense of u n e a s e, and I keep glancing at the school gate, hoping Quentin will appear.


Then, as I'm about to give up hope, I notice something unusual behind the oak tree—a folded piece of paper tucked under a rock. My heart skips a beat as I reach for it, my hands trembling. I unfold the note and read it, my breath catching in my throat.


Dear Lilac,
I'm really sorry I couldn't tell you sooner, but my family has to move away, I am unaware of the reason and I crying as I write this note. We're leaving today, and I didn't have time to say goodbye properly. I was about to tell you beforehand. . . but I cannot do it. I feel sad and I don't want to see you cry because of me. I promise I'll come back as soon as I can! Please remember our adventures and the stories we created together, okay? I'll miss you so much, Lilac! I'll miss everything about you. . . about us!
Your prince,
Quentin


Tears blur my vision as I read the note.


My heart aches with the realization that Quentin is g o n e, and I won't be able to see him for who knows how long. I clutch the note to my chest, trying to hold back the sobs that threaten to escape.


The bell rings, signaling the end of break, but I can't bring myself to move. I sit there, feeling the weight of Quentin's absence pressing down on me. I stare at the note, the words echoing in my mind.


When the final bell rings and the school day is over, I wait by the school gate, my heart heavy. Papa arrives to pick me up, his face lighting up with a smile when he sees me.


"Hi, Lilac! Ready to go home?" Papa asks as he approaches.