As I rushed out and ran toward the row of potted plants, I found nothing there. I stood there in confusion, knowing it wasn't just my imagination.

Ryan suddenly appeared beside me. "Want some company for a walk?"

I looked up at his face. He was smiling warmly. A pang of guilt washed over me, so I nodded. "Sure."

We walked together through the yard, side by side. Ryan made me feel at ease, never once mentioning why I had dashed out in the first place.

He chatted about our school days. Suddenl