It was break time at École Lumiere, the usual chatter filling the classroom as children unwrapped their lunches and shared little jokes. The room buzzed with laughter, the scent of warm baguettes and packed meals drifting in the air.

Tracey plopped down beside Jay, opening her lunchbox without even sparing him a glance.

Jay, however, had no appetite. His gaze was locked on Jewel, who sat quietly at her desk, staring at nothing. Her expression was distant, her eyes shadowed with a sadness ...