(Isabella)

I woke up to a soft tap on my arm, squinting to find Maya's big brown eyes blinking at me cutely. "We do have to go to school today, remember?" she said, her expression half playful, half serious.

"Go get ready, I'm right behind you," I mumbled sleepily, curling myself deeper into the blanket.

"Actually, I'm ready for school," she replied, and I pulled the blanket from my face, finally noticing her colorful outfit. She was all set, radiating enthusiasm and energy.

With a ...