Maya emerged from her room, her backpack slung over her shoulder and her hair tied up in a ponytail, ready to tackle another day at school.

As she walked down the hallway, she collided with Hazel, who was hurrying in the opposite direction.

"Hey, I was coming to meet you," Hazel said, her voice low and urgent. "I won't be staying for breakfast, I have to run."

Maya's curiosity was piqued. "Why the rush? You're going somewhere," she asked, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied Hazel's ...