After dinner, Isabelle went upstairs to her room and contacted her long-time friend Nicholas over the computer. She laid down on the bed and stared at her ceiling, waiting for him to call back.

Her room had pastel yellow walls, with the walls plastered with blueprints taped on all sides, as well as dark orange wood that spread across the floor. There was also a study desk with a brown lamp attached and crumbled-up pieces of paper next to her disposable trash can on the corner of the walls.

Eventually, a ding rang through Isabelle’s ears. As the call came through, she straightened herself up and answered the call. Nicholas was on the other side of the projection screen. The surrounding room behind him had royal red wallpaper with golden laces.

“Hey, Izzy, sorry I called so late.” Nicholas greeted her with a wave.

“Not at all. I just finished with my duties as well,” Isabelle told him. “So, what’s it like at your new home?”

“We just got here. It’s been a long day, so we were thinking of unpacking tomorrow.”

“Ah, so it’s not just me...” Isabelle muttered, then sighed.

“Something the matter?” Nicholas asked, raising an eyebrow. “Are you already missing me?” He joked.

“Well, we haven’t had any opportunities to chat lately.”

“What do you mean? Has it been that long since school ended?”

Isabelle shook her head. Isabelle shook her head. “I meant that, ever since I got applied to the new school, I haven’t gotten as much free time as I’d like. It wasn't until you left that I realized this.”

“Well, I was also preparing for the move with my family, and you’re getting ready for when the new school comes up again, so...”

“You have a fair point.”

Nicholas looked around the area he’s in. “I’m also thinking of changing the wallpaper when I wake up the next day, not a big fan of the colors.”

Isabelle chuckled at the response. “Ok, I’ll leave you to it. Hope you enjoy your stay over there and get your rest.”

“Will do. Oh, and have you gotten your mom’s permission to go to this academy?”

“I have time until it opens up. No rush.”

“But does she at least know about—?”

“It’ll be fine. No need to worry. I’ll talk to you again soon.”

“Ok, see you.”

After signing out, her smile faded. She glanced at the drawer from across her bed. Isabelle got out of bed and walked over to her desk. On the side, there was a framed picture of a young woman and a man. She stared, placed her hand on the side of the picture, and sighed. Isabelle picked it up and moved it close to her chest.

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“I’m not sure how to break the news to mom,” Isabelle said to herself, walking over to lie on her bed. “I shouldn’t wait to tell her, but I need to find the right time for it.” She looked up to the ceiling and frowned. “What would you say or do if you were in this situation, dad?”

She closed her eyes and let the tears fall from her face.

.-.-.-.

Harry and Chi-Chi rested on bed sheets across from Benjamin, the silky textures brushing up against their fur as they had sweet dreams. The flow of the covers moved their bodies, as the two of them fell off the side. The impact on the floor made them jolt wide awake. Harry and Chi-Chi looked around frantically, uncertain how they ended up on the floor.

The sounds of Benjamin groaning rang through their ears. The two jumped on the bed, noticing Benjamin toss and turn in bed. His body sweat as his grip on the blanket tightened, looking to be out of breath.

Harry and Chi-Chi ran over to nudge him, trying to wake him up.

Benjamin shouted as he shot up straight. His eyes jolted wide open as his familiars tumbled further back on the bed. The magician panted as he rubbed his head and sighed.

“Are you ok?” Harry asked, getting himself up.

“Yeah, I think so,” Benjamin replied, clearing his throat. “I thought I was...”

“You don’t seem fine.” Chi-Chi brought up, as she scratched behind her ear. “You looked uneasy. What kind of nightmare did you have?”

“Well, I...” Benjamin massaged his temples as he tried to recollect the dream he had minutes ago. “Why can’t I remember anything about it besides the fact that it made me feel unpleasant? Why do I feel like this?” He questioned, getting misty-eyed.

“Maybe your body’s not used to feeling sick?” Chi-Chi guessed.

“Or you could be homesick,” Harry mentioned. “You probably miss going to school, doing assignments, and hanging out with your friends.”

“Wait, Master had friends in school?” Chi-Chi asked, tilting her head in confusion.

“Or maybe I am sick and just not thinking straight.” Benjamin shrugged. He placed his hand on his forehead, his hand burning up. “Ow! I don’t know, but I could use a drink.”

“Coming right up,” Harry said, puffing up his chest confidently.

He jumped off the bed and scurried over to the kitchen for a cold glass of milk, leaving Chi-Chi and Benjamin alone in the room. Silence embodied the area shortly after. Neither of them knew what to say.

It didn’t take long for Chi-Chi to break the silence.

“Cheer up, Master; I’m sure you’ll get better soon!” She piped up.

“Thanks, Chi-Chi,” Benjamin replied with a small smile. He let out a hefty sigh. “Hey, how long do you think it’ll take for the other higher-ups to fix our academy?”

“Who knows?” Chi-Chi did her best to shrug with her stubby little arms. It looked more like she was playing charades or doing a little dance. “It has been a while, but they might be nearly done.”

“Couldn’t they have let us help them out?”

“I’m sure the adults had their reasons for not getting us involved in the rough work. Besides, we need to relax after those crazy turns of events.”

“Well, I guess that’s true.”

“Don’t worry, we just need to wait a little longer.”

“If you say so.”

Harry returned with the glass of milk on top of his head. He hopped onto the bed without a single drop spilling off.

“Hey guys, hope I didn’t take too long.” He said.

“Not at all,” Benjamin replied, taking the drink from his hands. He took a couple of gulps from the glass before letting out a sigh. “Got to say, I don’t know what I’d do without you guys.”

“Huh? Where did that come from?” Harry inquired, raising an eyebrow.

“I figured I’d say it while I had the chance.”

“Aw, thanks, Master!” Harry and Chi-Chi said with a smile.

“Don’t mention it.”