THE LAST BELL DAY

The schoolyard was crowded with people. Joyful laughter, conversations full of memories, and last goodbyes with teachers—everything showed just how valuable this moment was. The last bell had already rung, but this wasn't the end.

Emma stood at the edge of the yard, looking around. Victoria, Richard, Sheila, and Fred were nearby, but her thoughts were drifting a little farther. What would happen after all these events?

A little further away, Orlich and Ethan were talking to each other. There was a strange tension between them. Rima, however, stood a little apart, silently observing everything.

"Is everything okay?" Emma cautiously approached Rima.

Rima smiled, but there was a hint of sadness in her smile.

"I don't know... But today feels strange. It's like something is supposed to happen, but hasn't yet."

Emma nodded. She felt the same way. Today wasn't just about the end of school; it was the beginning of something bigger.

Meanwhile, Fred was trying to talk to Sheila. But, as usual, Sheila seemed to be distancing herself from him. Fred, however, was insistent.

"Sheila, I need to tell you something," Fred said determinedly.

Sheila sighed, looked at Fred, but just then, Ashley appeared. It was as if she had been waiting for this moment.

"I have news for you," Ashley said in a self-satisfied tone.

Everyone turned to her. She hesitated a little, then a strange smile formed on her lips.

"Fred, you still don't know, do you? You're sure Sheila's father was killed by her."

Everything froze.

Fred's face turned pale. Sheila took a step back. Victoria and Richard immediately looked at them. Emma took a step forward, as if feeling the weight of the moment and wanting to change something.

"What?" Fred's voice trembled.

"Ashley, what nonsense is this?!" Victoria said angrily.

Ashley chuckled quietly.

"Why would it be nonsense? I know the truth. And do you know who else knows?" She turned and looked at Ethan and Orlich.

Ethan didn't take his eyes off Ashley. He looked cold and composed.

"I've known about this for a long time," Ethan said calmly.

"And you didn't say anything?" Sheila looked at him in confusion.

Ethan took a deep breath.

"Because it's a very complicated matter. But now, it's no longer a secret."

Orlich stood off to one side, quietly watching the sky. But there was a worry in his eyes too.

"Why is Ashley saying this now?" Orlich said softly. "We were already about to lose everything."

Emma was even more confused after those words.

"Orlich, what are you trying to say?"

Orlich smiled, but it was a sad smile.

"Just that today isn't the end of school. It's the beginning of some things completely changing."

Sheila looked into Fred's eyes.

"Fred, can I still trust you?"

Fred couldn't say anything. He just stayed silent.

Emma felt that this wasn't just an ending. This was a beginning. But which beginning, no one knew yet.