"Didn't I ask them to recite all the alphabets today?" she thought, sitting up straighter, eyes narrowing at the empty space in front of her.
"Karl! Julian! Milo!" she called out, her voice loud and sharp.
In his room, Julian flinched, nearly dropping his robe. He had just finished cleaning his wardrobe—again. He did it every day, almost religiously. His heart did a quick double-thump.
Beside him, Karl didn't even lift his head from where he was sprawled across the bed, one arm lazily draped over his face. He cracked one eye open, already looking annoyed.
"What's wrong with her now?" Karl mumbled, rubbing his temple.
Julian shut his book with a soft thud, sighing. "Let's just go see."
He was already at the door when Karl dragged himself up with exaggerated reluctance, shuffling behind him.
