Chapter 4: Back to School

The classroom, a few minutes before the next class begins. Ethan is sitting at his desk, slightly tired, but with a serene expression. His classmates, glad to have him back, surround him.

(The buzz of conversation dies down a bit when Ethan arrives. His classmates, a mixture of relief and curiosity, bombard him with questions).

"Ethan! I can't believe it! We thought we'd lost you forever!" exclaims Miguel, his voice filled with almost frantic excitement.

Sofia, eyes sparkling, approaches with a gift: "How are you! We were so worried! Your parents said it was better we didn't see you until you were better. We brought you lots of presents. Look, I brought you my cat sticker collection."

David, with a broad grin, adds, "Yes! Professor Garcia tried to organize a visit from the whole class, to bring you food and games! Even a card signed by everyone.

(Ethan smiles slightly, but his expression is serious. He takes a moment to organize his thoughts before speaking).

"Well...after the hospital, I spent some time recovering at home. Lots of rest...and.... yeah, I had some injuries. Pretty nasty ones. That's why my parents didn't want anyone to see me. But... they've healed," she replies, her voice low and calm.

(His companions exchange looks of concern, but also amazement at his quick recovery. Ethan avoids their gazes, a nervous tingle running through his skin. Laura, always direct, intervenes. But her tone is more sympathetic than inquisitive).

Laura, with her usual directness, but with an unusually sympathetic tone, interjects, "I'm glad you're okay, you look... normal! Although... it's amazing that you've recovered so quickly. Do you know what happened while you were away?".

(Ethan shakes his head, and his classmates begin to explain to him the changes that have occurred: the appearance of monsters, magic, chaos, fear, people's adaptation to the new reality, new security measures at the school, new rumors and conspiracy theories circulating among the students. Everyone speaks at once, sharing information and experiences. Ethan listens attentively, nodding occasionally, without interrupting or adding details. His classmates do not suspect that he knows more than he tells, they only sense his lack of knowledge and his concern for the new reality. The doorbell rings, interrupting the lively conversation).

"It's as if the world has gone crazy," Miguel said.

"There are monsters everywhere!" exclaims Sofia.

"And magic! Really!" adds David.

"The school has changed so much! There are security guards everywhere!" concludes Laura.

(The teacher enters the classroom. Mateo, in a sympathetic tone, summarizes the situation for Ethan, adding details and clarifying doubts. Ethan nods, showing interest).

Ethan: Yeah, it's... a lot to process. He mumbles to himself.

The coffee shop, 9:00 AM. An aroma of freshly brewed coffee and teenage murmurs fill the air.

Ethan, sipping his coffee with a tired grimace, lets out a sigh. "I can't believe we had a physics test today! It's like the world hasn't changed at all!".

Laura, with a mischievous grin, replies, "And you think those bugs are going to come to school and ask us about Newton's law? That would be a real test!".

Miguel, always the eccentric one, snaps his fingers. "Exactly! With a monster as a teacher, the test would be a little more... interesting!".

Ethan laughs. "It would be a little more exciting, that's for sure! Although I don't know if I'd be too interested in solving equations with a fire-breathing dragon next to me."

Laura winks. "If the dragon gives you a ten? we'll make a deal!".

Ethan bursts out laughing. "A dragon that cares about grades! Now that would be a crazy world!".

Miguel, with a mischievous grin, adds, "What if the dragon starts solving the equations for us? Imagine the professor's face!".

Laura, calmer, reflects: "Life is more fun now, yes... although the monster news on all the channels.... Oof!".

Ethan nods. "I used to live for the news, now.... it's too much!".

Miguel, indifferently, shrugs. "I don't even watch them anymore. I don't obsess about the uncontrollable. Better to enjoy life! I'm hungry!".

Ethan, with a smile, concludes, "Deal! And coffee's on me!".