"Hey, Stella!"
Stella turned around and saw Ian standing behind her.
"It's been a long time since we went to school together," he told her. "Shall we walk a few minutes?"
"Okay," Stella replied. "Where have you been? Dani came back to school yesterday. He was revising for the up coming exams."
"That's great to hear. So he was at home the whole time. We got worried."
"Yes, we thought something might have happened. It is unusual for him to miss class."
"Now that he's back, let's go to the cafeteria together sometime."
"Okay, where were you? Why weren't you at school yesterday? You could've joined him."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause any worry. I just thought I could report myself unwell and things will pass along quickly."
"That's not what I had in mind. Anyway, good that you're here again. They'll be happy to see you," Stella told him.
Ian smiled and put his arm around her shoulder. "Sure, we've got this."
They walked up the street to a corner, Ian suddenly stopped and asked, "would it be a problem if I didn't get my notes sorted? I was in a hurry to leave the house and I haven't gone through them, yet."
"It's okay," she said. "You can read mine, if you want."
"Thanks," he said. "You're the best."
They walked along the road and arrived at school. "See you soon," he said and left.
Stella stepped into the classroom and saw Chloe chatting with someone. She looked out of the window and saw grey clouds in the sky. It was getting dark and it seemed like a rainy weather. Suddenly, she saw a man wearing a dark coat outside. From the figure, it looked like Dani, but she wasn't sure. The man walked up the stairs and entered the hallway. She waited for a few minutes, but Dani did not arrive in the classroom. Ian entered cheerfully, nodding to Chloe as he walked past.
"Where have you been?" She asked him quietly.
"I was in the hallway," he said confused.
She shook her head puzzled. "I was asking why you came up here without Dani."
"Dani? I haven't seen him, why? Is he not coming today?"
Stella paused a minute. This wasn't what she had been expecting. "He didn't come to class today."
"I'm sure he's just late," he replied. He leant closer to Chloe. "Did you finish your homework?"
Stella glanced to the window again. The dark figure was leaving the building hurriedly. She took out her watch and looked at the time. It was quarter to eight. Where was Dani?
The bell rang and class started. Nobody took notice of the clock. It seemed to be out of battery. Behind her, Ian was humming a soft melody. They didn't notice the slight change of atmosphere. "Stella," Ian called. "Could you tilt your head to the left a little? I can't see."
Stella cooperated. It was still dark outside and it started to rain. She would have trouble going home today, because she didn't take an umbrella with her. Ian probably left home in a rush without checking the weather. She waited on the terrace after school. The man was gone.