Morning Whispers

Amelie skipped through the arched entrance of Redleaf School, her blonde hair bouncing with each step. The brick-red walls gleamed in the morning sun, and colorful playground equipment beckoned from the courtyard.

"Amelie!" called Winter, her snow-white hair catching the light as she waved from near the spiral slide. She wore her favorite red dress with the gold heart buckle.

Kiki stood beside Winter, looking pale and serious in her black-and-maroon gothic dress. Her green eyes scanned the playground with sharp intelligence.

"Did you hear what happened yesterday?" Winter whispered as Amelie approached.

Kiki glanced around nervously. "Sophia was saying things about Maya during art class."

Amelie's bright eyes widened with curiosity as her two best friends exchanged meaningful looks.

The List Begins

"What kind of things?" Amelie asked, settling onto the wooden bench beside them.

Winter glanced around the playground, then leaned closer. "Mean things. About how Maya always hogs the art supplies."

"And her weird laugh," Kiki added with a smirk. "Sophia said it sounds like a dying bird."

Amelie's smile faded. "That's not very nice."

"But it's true," Kiki shrugged. "Maya does make strange noises when she laughs."

A sparrow landed on the spiral slide nearby, chirping loudly as if agreeing with their conversation.

"Anyway," Winter continued, "Sophia wants to tell everyone what we think about the other kids. She says we should make a list."

"A secret list?" Amelie's eyes widened.

Kiki nodded. "Of all the annoying things people do. Sophia already started writing about Ben and his smelly lunches."