Molly -Ashtray O'Neil-

two.

The next morning was another school day, and Amelia found it difficult to concentrate on the lessons. Her thoughts wandered again and again to the evening in the Fezco store and the conversations with Ashtray. She felt that this was the beginning of something new, something that could change her life.

During the lunch break, she withdrew again to her quiet corner of the schoolyard. She sat down on the bench under the big old tree and took out her sketchbook. The sounds of the other students in the background seemed like a distant backdrop. Deep in her drawings, she initially did not notice that someone was getting closer.

"Hey," said a familiar voice suddenly. She looked up and saw Ashtray standing in front of her. He wore his typical, casual clothes and had buried his hands in his pockets.

"Hey," Amelia replied in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm going to school here," said Ashtray and sat down next to her on the bench without an invitation. "I didn't ask you last night, but it was somehow clear that we would meet again here."

Amelia put her sketchbook aside and looked at him. "I didn't know you were going to school here too."

"Yes, most people don't know that," Ashtray replied with a crooked smile. "I usually keep myself in the background."

"I understand," said Amelia and suddenly felt a little nervous. "Thank you for being so nice last night. I was pretty nervous."

"No problem," said Ashtray. "I've seen that you're not at the store so often. It's understandable that you were nervous."

For a while they remained silent, both absorbed into their thoughts. Finally, Ashtray asked: "What are you drawing?"

"Oh, just a few sketches," said Amelia, opening her sketchbook to show him some of her drawings. "I usually draw to sort my thoughts."

"They are really good," said Ashtray impressed. "You have talent."

"Thank you," Amelia murmured, slightly blushing. It was good to get recognition for something that was so important to her.

"What do you think of a little adventure after school?" Ashtray suddenly asked and looked at her with sparkling eyes.

"An adventure?" Amelia repeated skeptically.

"Yes, nothing big. Just a little out of everyday life," said Ashtray. "Maybe go around the city, what do you think?"

Amelia thought for a moment. Their everyday life was monotonous and predictable, and a little variety sounded tempting. "Why not?" She finally said. "I'm in."

"Cool," Ashtray said with a satisfied smile. "We will meet at the school gate after the last period."

"Okay," Amelia agreed. "See you later then."

୨⎯⎯⎯ time skip ⎯⎯⎯୧

The hours until the end of school were like chewing gum, but Amelia felt unusually excited. When the last bell ringed, she quickly packed her things and made her way to the school gate. Ashtray was already waiting there, casually leaning against the wall.

"Ready?" He asked when she came up to him.

"Ready," Amelia replied and smiled.

They left the school grounds and immersed themselves in the lively city. They strolled through narrow streets, past small shops and cafés, and talked about all sorts of things , music, art, life. It felt so natural, as if they had known each other forever.

At some point they found themselves in an abandoned park. The old swings squeaked in the wind, and the trees cast long shadows on the ground. It was a place that had lost its shine, but still had a certain charm.