On Blue Star, in Rong City, the sun was setting. The horizon gradually took on a gentle orange-red hue, as though nature's most delicate brush were lightly outlining it across a cerulean canvas.
The blazing sunset poured down like molten gold, bathing the earth and draping all things in a dreamlike, resplendent cloak. Even the air was filled with a warm, languid atmosphere.
The campus, usually ringing with the sound of students reading, was especially quiet and peaceful at that moment.
A few snow-white pigeons stood lazily on the rooftop. From time to time, they lowered their heads and carefully preened every feather with their sharp little beaks, enjoying the tranquil moment.
"Ring, ring, ring..."
Suddenly, a crisp, pleasant ringing echoed through the air, shattering the campus's peace. The pigeons, which had been wholly absorbed in preening their feathers, were startled. Flapping their wings, they flew toward a more distant place.
The dismissal bell had rung. Before long, many students came running out of their classrooms with their schoolbags on their backs, like cheerful fawns, their faces brimming with longing for home.
School was out. As long as she got home, she could watch cartoons right away.
Zhou Tongtong and Wang Duoduo held hands and skipped toward the school gate. Their laughter was crisp and sweet, echoing across the campus like silver bells.
At the school gate, they parted reluctantly. Zhou Tongtong had to fight with all her might to squeeze through the dense crowd before moving toward the roadside like a nimble little fish.
Usually, Xia Qing arrived at the school gate early to wait for her. Today, however, Zhou Tongtong did not see that familiar figure, and she could not help feeling puzzled.
"Strange. Why is Mom late today? Is she busy with something at the shop?"
After