"What's wrong with you, Peter?"
"Ned" looked at his friend in utter confusion. His face, usually full of humor and energy, was now covered in bewilderment.
He tilted his head slightly, confusion flickering in his eyes, while his smooth, hairless scalp reflected a "holy light" in the sunshine as he moved.
"You've been staring at me for twenty minutes. If you've got something to say, just say it, okay?" A hint of impatience had crept into "Ned's" voice. He folded his arms across his chest and leaned back slightly, as though deliberately putting some distance between himself and Peter to show his displeasure.
Faced with his "friend's" question, Peter failed to keep his expression under control. His brows furrowed slightly, and his eyes widened involuntarily as his gaze slowly swept over Ned's face and head twice, as though trying to find a flaw in those familiar features.
Then he couldn't help lowering his head. He reached out and gently rubbed the slightly rough plastic handle on the seat in front of him, muttering, "It's so realistic..."
Meanwhile, the other students on the school bus were immersed in a cheerful atmosphere. They gathered in groups of two or three, laughing and chatting, thrilled about this rare spring outing.
Some animatedly described the food they had packed, their eyes shining with anticipation; others excitedly discussed the unfamiliar sights they might find at their destination, gesturing wildly.
The teacher leading the trip sat at the very front, his fingers tapping rapidly across his phone screen. A smile occasionally tugged at his lips, as though he were exchanging sweet nothings with his girlfriend.
Even old Jack in the driver's seat was just as he always was, with the radio on, humming along to the country songs in a hoarse, weathered voice. He couldn't carry