Tsume's absence in class that day stirred an unusual air of concern among her classmates at Walkerville Elementary. Carlos, usually her close companion in all school misadventures, felt particularly uneasy not seeing her there. The class buzzed with mild speculation, half-expecting her to make a dramatic late entrance as she occasionally did.
Miss Frizzle, sensing the growing curiosity, addressed the class promptly, "Class, Tsume caught a cold and will be out today." Her tone was calm, but it carried a hint of concern that was not lost on the students, especially Carlos.
Throughout the day, Carlos couldn't shake his worry for Tsume. He found himself distracted, his thoughts wandering back to Tsume's empty desk. As soon as the final bell rang, he approached Miss Frizzle, who was already anticipating his request. With a nod and a smile, she agreed to take him to Tsume's house in the School Bus, which she parked a discreet distance from Tsume's front door. Upon arriving, Carlos knocked gently, his heart pounding with a mix of concern and excitement. The door swung open to reveal Tsume, dressed in dark purple pajamas adorned with stars. She looked distinctly unamused but undeniably adorable in Carlos's eyes, which unfortunately led to him staring a bit too long.
Tsume snapped her fingers in front of his face, breaking his trance. "Excuse you, my eyes are up here," she said, pointing upwards with two fingers.
Carlos chuckled, his face turning a shade of red. "Sorry," he mumbled, then quickly shifted the subject by holding up a get-well card. "I came over to see if you were feeling any better. Everyone's worried about you, just as much as I am."
Tsume's expression softened slightly at the gesture. She glanced past Carlos to see Miss Frizzle giving her a gentle wave from the bus. With a roll of her eyes but a hint of a smile, she stepped aside, allowing Carlos into her home. Carlos entered, taking in the modern decor of Tsume's living room with appreciation. Tsume settled onto the sofa with a sigh, clearly exhausted. "I feel like my entire energy has been zapped from me," she confessed.
Carlos took a seat next to her, trying to lighten the mood. "Being sick isn't so bad, though. It has its benefits, like not having to worry about school or homework," he offered optimistically.
Tsume laughed, a sound that Carlos found surprisingly comforting. "You're right, but once I'm better, it's back to school and all that homework," she replied, her tone a mix of resignation and humor.
The conversation flowed more freely after that, with Carlos making Tsume laugh a few more times and Tsume gradually appearing more relaxed and less guarded. They talked about class, their friends, and even touched lightly on some of their personal interests outside of school.
As the visit drew to a close, Carlos stood to leave, feeling relieved to see Tsume in better spirits. "Get better soon, Tsume. We all miss you back in class," he said sincerely.
Tsume escorted him to the door, a genuine smile gracing her features. "Thanks for the visit, Carlos. It was... nice," she admitted, a rare admission from someone as fiercely independent as her.
Carlos smiled, stepping out into the cool air, feeling a mixture of happiness and concern. He waved goodbye, promising to bring her any assignments she missed.
As he climbed back into the Magic School Bus, Miss Frizzle greeted him with a knowing smile. "Well, Carlos, it looks like you made quite the impression," she teased gently.
"Yeah, I guess," Carlos replied, his thoughts already on how he could help make Tsume's return to school as easy as possible.
With Miss Frizzle at the wheel, the School Bus rolled away, its mission of care accomplished for the day.
YOU ARE READING
the magic school bus: things aren't always what they seem
Humortsume is kicked from her class from her mean teach misses apple-bottom and is put in another class was she means miss Frizzle and the class and to think things couldn't get any more messed up her friend Jake gets pushed in as well as they both get s...
