The First Rule

Chapter 16: The Stubborn Stones

September 2012

In the golden haze of an afternoon, a little girl and boy stood side by side in a crowded classroom. The room is filled with intrigued silence as the children await their turn in eagerness, gripping the edge of their seats. Encouraged by the teacher, the little girl finally stepped forward—just a little bit further than the boy—then opened her mouth, her voice carrying a hint of nervousness.

"I want to be an architect!" she announced, her eyes shining with excitement as she shared her dream with the class. The boy beside her nodded in encouragement, a supportive smile playing on his lips.

"Oh—that's very great, Emily! Why do you want to be an architect?" the teacher asked, curiosity evident in her tone.

"Because I want to build a house like my house!"

The teacher nodded her head, holding back a chuckle at your adorable response. At the far end of the room, Mr. Winters stood there with a smug face—beside him, Mrs. Winters put her face behind her hand in embarrassment. Nearby, Mr. and Mrs. Cavill clapped along with the room, their chuckles mingled with the amused atmosphere as they glanced at their bestfriends' reaction and the little girl. However, a sense of nervousness lingering in the air as all eyes turn to the next speaker.. their little boy..

Their mischievous Tyty.

As the spotlight shifted to their son, Mr. and Mrs. Cavill exchanged a knowing glance, bracing themselves for whatever might come next. Tyler stood with a mischievous glint in his eyes, a smirk playing on his lips as he addressed the class.

"I want to be Superman!"

He declared boldly, his voice ringing with confidence. With students and parents cheering and others exchanging amused glances, Mr. and Mrs. Cavill couldn't help but heaved a big sigh and shook their heads, acknowledging how their son's boundless imagination never fails to entertain.

Little you clapped excitedly, beaming as he turned his head just to check on your expression. Relieved and satisfied as he realized he just made the whole room—especially.. you entertained, he nodded with a smug expression.

Observing the little boy's gesture, Mr. Winters leaned in towards Mrs. Winters' ear and whispered, "See? That boy would be the death of me, Janet," acknowledging what he meant, a lopsided grin formed on Mrs. Winters' lips as she whispered,

"Trust me darling, he'll save you from so many dramas that'll unfold."

Losing a grin, Johnny retracted his head as he processed her words. Meanwhile, the teacher stifled a giggle, trying to maintain her composure. As the laughter gradually died down, she smiled warmly at Tyler and encouraged,

"Well, Tyler, you have a lot of courage and a big heart. So I believe.. you'll make a great Superman!"

Grinning from ear to ear at the teacher's encouragement, Tyler stepped back to align himself with you, allowing his other peers to take their turns. With a sparkle in his eyes, he turned to you, wanting to share his excitement.

"Did you hear that?" Tyler whispered eagerly, "she said I have a big heart—just like Superman!"

You returned his grin with equal enthusiasm, nodding in agreement as he turned his attention to the front. "Yeah, that's awesome, Tyty! You'd make a great Superman," little you replied, your voice filled with admiration—but then your expression went serious as if a whirlwind of thoughts struck you. Sensing your sudden vibe change, he reluctantly turned his head to you.