"Report!" Aurora skidded into the classroom, backpack straps cutting into her shoulders, cheeks burning. "Sorry—I'm late," she gasped, dropping her bag by the door. "Late again?" a voice from the front said flatly. "Name?" "Aurora Luo. Transfer," she said, voice wobbling. "Take the empty desk at the back," Mr. Reed said without looking up from the attendance sheet. "And stop announcing yourself like you belong in a marching band." "Yes, sir," she said. Her shoes squeaked as she crossed rows of eyes. "Is she new?" whispered someone near the aisle. "Transfer from Riverbend," a girl answered. "I saw her on the walk this morning." "What's her name?" another voice asked. "Aurora. Cute," a boy said, low. Laughter rolled like a small tide. "I think she went into the wrong room," Mr. Reed added, glancing at the door. "She belongs in Class 3-B. I'll sort it after roll call." Aurora forced a smile and mouthed, Sorry, everyone. She meant sorry for the disruption, sorry for the attention, sorry for her own clumsy timing. She moved to the back. A pair of headphones lay abandoned on a desk. A jacket was draped over a head like a blanket. "That one is taken," a girl near her said, nudging a comb from behind her textbooks. "He naps like a bear. Use the comb." Aurora blinked. "Use the comb?" "Trust me. You'll need it," the girl said. "I'm Lin. Welcome." "Thanks, Lin." Aurora took the comb and nervously