Chapter One Christmas Holiday Cheer
The holiday cheer in Mrs. Thompson's classroom buzzed with an electrifying excitement on the last day of elementary school before Christmas Eve.
As the final bell rang, the air thickened with the rich, sweet aroma of melting chocolate mingling with the marshmallow fluff that filled the room. Soft strains of classic Christmas music drifted like a gentle snowfall, wrapping the students in a warm embrace. The big smart board flickered with a cheerful holiday movie, casting a cozy glow over the multitude of tables draped in bright red wrapping paper, each surface a canvas of festive anticipation.
At his main desk, Araon sat, stifling a yawn, his body heavy from an intense and exhilarating P.E. class with his friends. His blond bobbed hair tousled, he wore a light green shirt emblazoned with "I'm A Champion" and black jogging pants that offered him comfort amidst the chaos. Every so often, he ran his fingers through his hair, desperately trying to shake off the fatigue.
With weary eyes, he glanced around the room, his focus sharpening as he took in the day's special activity: students crafting holiday cards and ornaments, a cherished tradition in Mrs. Thompson's third-grade class. The walls sparkled with twinkling lights, and colorful paper snowflakes danced from the ceiling, creating a winter wonderland.
Mrs. Thompson, with her warm smile and kind eyes, clapped her hands, her festive red sweater bright against the backdrop of holiday decor. "Alright, everyone! Let's get started on our holiday crafts!" Her voice was a joyful melody that pulled the students from their daydreams.
Beside her, Ms. Rivera, the cheerful assistant teacher, radiated energy, her laughter ringing like chimes in the air. With a vibrant scarf draped around her neck and a playful twinkle in her eye, she flitted around the room, assisting students in their quest for colorful materials.
Araon sighed, fighting the urge to drift back into sleep. He felt the weight of exhaustion pressing down, but Ayano, who sat beside him, was having none of it. Adjusting her black-and-white plaid uniform, she shot him a look of playful annoyance and gave his desk a gentle kick.
"You should wake up, sleepyhead! You're going to miss out on all the fun," she teased, her voice laced with a hint of mischief. The sound jolted Araon awake, and he blinked at her through bleary eyes, narrowing his focus on her bright, expectant expression.
"I-I'm sorry! P.E. took a lot out of me, you know? It was intense," he replied slowly, rubbing his eyes as he tried to shake off the fog of fatigue. He could feel the warmth of the classroom and the joy of the season tugging at him, urging him to join in the festivities.