Morning Preparations

Anna bounced on her toes as she brushed her long blonde pigtails in the girls' dormitory. Her moon pendant caught the morning light streaming through the windows.

"Today's the day!" squealed Sabrina, tying ribbons in her dark hair.

"I can't wait to see what style Mrs. Henderson gives me," said Mandy, spinning around in her purple uniform dress.

Juliana giggled while Michelle practiced sitting perfectly straight. "The boys are going to look so much better after their haircuts."

Anna touched her moon earring and smiled. "Especially Blaze. His hair covers his whole face right now."

"Don't let Hana hear you say that," warned Sabrina. "She thinks she's the only one allowed to like him."

Through the wall, they heard shouting from the boys' dormitory next door.

The Paper Message

Anna pressed her ear against the wall. The shouting got louder.

"We're not coming out!" yelled a voice that sounded like Blaze.

"Never!" shouted another boy.

Mrs. Henderson's footsteps echoed down the hallway. She stopped at the boys' door and knocked.

"Boys, it's time for haircuts," she called cheerfully.

"NO!" came a chorus of voices from inside.

Anna looked at her friends. Sabrina's eyes went wide. "What if they don't come out at all?"

"Then haircut day will be ruined," whispered Mandy.

Through the keyhole, Anna glimpsed something moving. It looked like a tornado had hit the boys' room. Clothes everywhere, beds pushed against the door.

Michelle tugged Anna's sleeve. "Look!"

A small piece of paper slipped under the boys' door. Anna grabbed it quickly.