Officer Silei glanced toward Hesta, then looked out at the children farther away.
At the center of the second floor was a crystal corridor, where sixteen enormous crystal lamps hung overhead. Below them, the children studied and played.
Some children played with intricate building blocks, some wrote and drew, and some read... Silei recognized some of the teaching materials. She had seen them before in kindergartens and elementary schools that put special education principles into practice. Two teachers moved constantly among the children, offering help.
Kiki spotted Hesta first. She immediately slapped the back of Eleven's hand beside her, but before she could explain, Eleven slapped her back at once.
Kiki rubbed the back of her aching hand and looked at her friend beside her with some grievance. Eleven was completely absorbed in a jigsaw puzzle, seemingly immersed in it and unwilling to be disturbed by anyone.
Kiki looked around, then stood up on her own and ran toward Hesta.
"Jane." She greeted Hesta.
Kiki was not used to calling Hesta by name directly. Though she still called this tall woman Little Crane in her heart, Hesta had made an agreement with everyone that they would address one another by name, so Kiki had no choice but to give up the nickname she found more affectionate.
"Good morning," Hesta said softly. "Come, this is Officer Silei—oh, have you met? Eleven should have."
Kiki looked at Silei. She vaguely remembered this short auntie. On the night of the fire, she had heard Silei speaking District 14 language to Lu Qi Zhen, so she tentatively greeted Silei in her native tongue as well.
"Hello," Silei replied with an immediate smile, holding out her hand to Kiki. "Nice to meet you."
Kiki immediately took the adult's hand.
Almost at the same moment, Hesta