That was one of Stella's nightmares.
She would rather think of it that way than face a real nightmare coming her way.
John helped Stella up with a show of concern. "Such enthusiasm. I knew you couldn't bear to leave me."
Stella wanted to cry, but no tears came. All she had done was unwrap a present. How had she ended up packaged and delivered as one herself?
Little did she know that John had sent that letter.
Having returned to Earth today, John naturally wanted to check on the Celestial Sphere.
After using the Celestial Sphere several times, John needed to check for any lingering problems.
Otherwise, people from other universes might start appearing all over the world. Who could put up with that?
As for bringing Stella over...
John had simply thought it was pitiful that his niece was spending Christmas alone at school, so he had decided to invite her.
Was Stella moved?
She didn't dare move.
The shadow of being ruled by a study plan last time still hung over her.
She had finally escaped that study plan, and she practically had post-study traumatic stress disorder.
A Thestral carriage pulled up in front of them, and John put an arm around Stella and ushered her aboard.
Stella was led aboard like a puppet on strings.
Forcing an awkward smile, Stella asked cautiously, "Professor Wick, are you here to teach again?"
"Oh, no, not this time."
John's answer made Stella's eyes light up at once.
He wasn't?
"That's wonderful!"
"What?"
John glanced at the overly delighted Stella.
Stella's smile froze.
She was only in her teens. She just wanted to avoid being humiliated by knowledge. What had she done wrong?
The carriage traveled along the snowy, icy road.
Apart from their less-than-appealing appearance, Thestrals were practically the