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Chapter Text

The apple blossoms were in full bloom and soon the apples will be here. Coraline looked up into the night sky as her boot crushed underneath the mud. The moon was full. It was always full when she had this dream. Coraline looked like the apple blossom petals blew through the wind, just like every night. Like she was stuck in a snow globe, although if you think about it all dreams are like snow globes. Perfect world where no one ever gets hurt or feels sad, but not in this dream. Every time Coraline walks through the field listening to the poisonous voice. “Oh Coraline, my sweet sweet girl.” That voice no longer sent chills down her spin, but she could feel sweat form around her wrist. “Why did you throw me away? All I ever did was love you. I still love you, my darling daughter.” The trees began to unwind like threads as she came closer to that damn well.

“Please don’t let me die,” it said. Every time that monster spoke a light flash from underneath that well. “I’m your mother,” a blue light flash. “I need you.” A green light. “Don’t let me die,” a purple light. “I love you. I love you. I love you.” a pink light.

“Don’t you love me,”

“No, I don’t,”

“Coraline, wake up.” Melanie said with a few knocks on the door. Coraline blinked as she heard the door click open. “You're still in bed, come on now.” Coraline let her vision settle as watch her mother go into the closet. It couldn’t have been a trick of the light, but Coraline looked at her mother, she was different, almost younger. “You're not wearing it,” she said. “What?” Melanie asked. Coraline pointed to her neck. “Your collar,” “Oh, the doctor said I can take a break with it. Thank goodness that thing was so stiff and starting to smell like Mr. B cheese.” Melanie said and they both giggled. “Now get up, before dad takes the last hot pocket,” she said and tossed her uniform on her daughter's bed. Coraline slowly shifts out of bed and looks down at the gray and black uniform. “Come on Coraline you face a whole lot worse,” she said. It’s been two months since face ghost children, buttons and the monster with her mother’s face. She can handle the first day of a new school. A small meow echoed through the cracked window, Coraline looked over to a familiar black cat pawing at the door. She opened the window and the Cat walked in with a big stretch. Make himself at home as always. “Come to wish me luck.” Coraline said. The Cat merely just meowed. “Thanks for that.” she said.

“Well don’t you look so grown up,” Charlie said. Coraline just sighs and looks down at her uniform. “I feel a big gray marshmallow,” she said. Charlie just chuckled, “Well the gloves do give you a splash of color. Just like snapdragon.” he said and poke her nose. “Dad,” Coraline groans. “You still love it.” he said. Coraline wouldn’t admit it, but she did. It eases the rattling nerves in her chest. “So, what are you doing today?” she asked. Her father let out a groan. “Trying to find a photographer.” he said. “I thought you did,” she said. “We did,” Melanie said as pour her cup of coffee. “But then your dad fired him.” she said and took a seat. Coraline couldn’t help but snicker at that. “He did an Irish jig all over our tulips and dragon snaps,” Charlie said. “An almost sued us when he tripped into our lake.” Melanie said. “Technal it was Mr. B's fault because he planted the turnips.” Coraline said. “Like I told you,” Charlie said ruffling Coraline’s hair. Coraline just looked up at her father with a grimace look. “You know, Wybie is still offering,” she said. Melanie sigh "Coraline I’m sure he has talent,” “And cheaper,” Coraline said. “But we can’t hire a minor, no matter how cheap it would be.” Melanie said. Charlie leans forward, “How much cheaper is his?” he asked. “Ten buck an hour Mr.,” Wybie said as burst through the kitchen door.

Ever since the garden party the young and very strange boy has grown a custom of walking in and out the Pink Palace without knocking. Wybie says that he respected his grandmother messenger or “Landlord in Training,” as he said. “Good morning, Mr. J, Mrs..” he said and took an apple from the fruit bowl and a pop tart from the countertop. He also had developed a habit of taking food as well. “Ready for the first day, Core,” he said, taking a seat next to her. Coraline smiled at him, she much preferred that nickname over “Jonesy,” He was wearing the male version of their school uniform. But Wybie had made some “alteration,” to his uniform. The pants legs were torn and cut, mostly likely from the fall of his bike and by a pair of scissors, doodles of skeletons, black cats and demons went up down the pants and arms of his blazers. Along with buttons and pins of his favorite horror and sci-fi movies. Coraline was thankful she wasn’t going to be the only colorful kid at Waymore Academy.

“See, the other guys were going to cost us an arm and leg,” Charlie said. “Technically an arm and leg wouldn’t cause you much. If you look for real money then you want to sell a liver, or a never ending or maybe one your eyes,” Wybie said and put his fingers to the bottom of his eyes and pulled the skin down making a face. Coraline laughs and whacks his hands away from his face. “You weirdo,” she said. Melanie smirks at the boy and grabs her bag. “Alright let's get going you too.” she said. Coraline felt like that knot in her stomach began too tight once more. Wybie noticed it. “Hey before I forget.” He said and reached into his pocket. He pulled out a large double chocolate brownie wrapped in a nice plastic bag with stars and blue ribbon around it. “Present from Grandma,” he said. Coraline smiles at the bag. Grandma Lovet, or Nana Rosia as she told Coraline to call her that, makes the best baked goods. And double chocolate brownie was Coraline’s favorite. Coraline smile at the brownie and happily took a bite from it. “Thanks,” she said. Melanie smile at her daughter, “Okay you too. Let’s get going.” she said. “Thank again for the ride Mrs. J.” Wybie said. “Only if those boots of yours are clean and that bike isn’t blocking the back of the car.” she said. “Crap,” he said and took off running.

Melanie grabbed her purse and walked over to her husband. “Another photographer coming by later today.” she kissed his cheek. “Don’t scare him off.” she said in a stern tone. “I’ll do my best scout honor.” Charlie said.

Coraline then reached for her backpack. “Now or Never,” she thought to herself. “Hey hon,” her dad reached for her shoulder. “Yeah,” “Before you go, I got you a good luck charm for your first day.” Charlie said. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small little turtle keychain. Underneath it was fading a paint saying, “Don’t be afraid to come out your shell,” Coraline look at. “Do you remember this thing?” Charlie said. “No?” she said. Charlie’s smile faulted a bit but still smiled at her. “Well then again, you were only five, but I got this as a good luck charm for the first day of your kindergarten.” he said. “And you saved it?” she said. “Yeah, I thought it might give you some good luck today.” Charlie said. Coraline didn’t think that would work. Honestly it sounds kind of embarrassing. But she didn’t want to upset her dad. “Thanks,” she said and took the key chain and snapped it on her bag. Charlie smiles and kisses her forehead. “Have a good day my twitchy-witchy girl,” he said.

Chapter Text

The three-story school tower is like a big gray blob, more like a soggy pile of mashed potatoes. It didn’t help that heavy rain clouds were beginning to form over the school. “Doesn’t the sun ever shine in this city?” Coraline said. Wybie then gave her a light punch in the shoulder. “I’ll see you in there Core. Hopefully we’ll be cellmates.” he said, then looked over at Melanie. “Thanks again for the ride Mrs. J.” he said with a wink. Melanie chuckled at the boy. “You behave yourself.” she said. “I’ll do my best but I can’t promise anything.” Wybie said as the first bell rang through the air. Those bells should sound like thunder to Coraline, causing her heart to tighten once more.Melanie looks over at her daughter. “Hey, are you going to be okay in there?” she asked. Coraline stayed quiet but then she looked out the window. Wybie was still standing by the front doors. He smiles at her like a copy version of him used to do. The Other Wybie. Coraline wonders if still there, watching over her. “You got this girl.” A familiar voice, a ghost girl with ribbons, echoed in her mind. Coraline’s shoulders twitch and she looks up into the sky and wonders, maybe she has more friends watching over today. “Yeah I’m good.” she said rush over to her friends. “Have a good day,” her mother called out from the car. As Melanie watches them enter the school she crashes down to the back of her seat. Let out a breath not realize that she was even holding it in. The ringing on her phone brought her back. The flashing the image of her family at the Detroit Zoo gave her a small smile. “She’ll be okay Mel, she's a strong girl.”

It is still gray on the inside of the building, only a few patches of fading blue and green paint from the bulletin boards. “The office is right around the corner.” Wybie said. Coraline and him went down the hall and saw a large brown door with chipping paint. There was a window on the top half of the door relieving an old woman sitting at the desk. “I’ll see you there in the next.” He pulled his phone out. “Next fifteen minutes, maybe even more like ten minutes if what I got plan for Mr. Hedges goes well.” he said. “What plan?” Coraline said archring her brow. “You’ll soon see Core.” he said and walked backward giving her finger guns as he did. “That wasn’t mysterious and odd.” Coraline said. But that was Wybie. He made life interesting.

As she walked into the office, the handle of the door was cold as ice and the room smelled like bleach. The older woman looked to be about in late fifties, typing away on an old typewriter. Her brown and gray hair was pin up like a beehive and there was a small orchid next to her. Coraline clears her throat to get the woman's attention. She looked from her typewriter and gave her big sugar smile, her black cat like glasses flashing underneath the light. “Well hello there darling,” she said in a very deep southern accent. “Um hello, I’m Coraline Jones.” she said. “Yes, you're one of our new students coming in today.” the secretary said. Coraline raised her brow, “There was another one coming,” she said. “Yes but they're running late. I’m Miss Thompson and I run this little part of our show. I’ll give you the grand tour once the young man get here.” she said and rose from her chair. Her red high heel echoed with each step she took. “Since we're waiting for a little gentleman to come, if you can do me a favor and start reading over some info about our little slice of heaven.” Miss Thompson said and handed her over three little mini paper booklets. “Okay,” Coraline mumbled and took the books and sat in one of the plastic chairs.

The first booklet was the student handbook and list of guideline. Coraline open it and saw the strander, “Welcome Student,” message and the rest of the pages were filled with all the rules of what they can’t and can do. Mostly of the rules were stuff they can’t do.

No personal electronic device
No loud music played in the halls
No outside food
No candy or any processed food
No open toe shoes
No extending jewelry/pin/button

Students must fellow the guidelines when it comes to student uniforms

Coraline took note that there was a rule when it came to hair dye and she reached out to touch her own blue hair. She really hoped that she wouldn’t have to dye her hair back to her old, more “natural,” hair color. Coraline always hated her old hair color. It was such a boring and ugly color too. Back at her old school all the kids had a mixture of brown and blonde hair. All the girls in her old class' hair was a beautiful shade of hazel, chestnut and chocolate brown. But for Coraline, her hair color was the shade of dirt or more like a mud puddle after a heavy rain storm. Then she learned about hair dye.

Coraline was with her mom at their local grocery store. They were standing in line with check out lane, and her mom said that she could grab some candy while they waited. That kind of one they’re mother and daughter secret, when they went shop they would always grab some candy while they wait in line. But when Coraline look at the candy rack her eyes drift over to the magazines. Than she saw the most amazing thing. It was music magazine and on the cover of it was an all girl band. According to the magazine cover their name was “Black Cherry Pop-Tarts,” at first Coraline just thought it was a strange name. But she was memorialized by the girls on the cover. The lead singer/guitarist wore a ripped black and red top with skull that stars for eyes, a plaid red skirt and black and white striped socks with boots, her hair with bright sapphire blue with the right side of her head shaved with a lighting bolt design. The keyboard had rich purple hair in two buns and wore what looked to be a school uniform with a long purple jacket with the moon and star symbols on it. It kind of looks like a wizard cape. The drummer had pink hair shaved into a mohawk and dressed in a white shirt with the word “F - the Gov,” in black spray paint and leather skirt. Coraline had beg her mom to let her buy the magazine. Melanie was a little consider by it but she bought it anyway. And for the next few months Coraline had become obsessed with the Black Cherry Pop-Tarts and other punk theme music, clothes and especially the hair styles.

Last year Coraline had begged her parents to let her dye hair blue just like Veronica Stormhold, the lead singer of Black Cherry. Charlie and Melanie weren’t thrilled with the idea of hair dye so they made a deal. If Coraline had got all straight A’s on her report for the whole school year. Sometimes Coraline wonders why her parents forget how stubborn or determined she is. That year Coraline had got on the honor roll and her parents went out and bought her blue hair dye.

The sound of the door brought Coraline back to reality, she looked up to see a blonde hair woman. She was about the same age as her own mother but wore a bright lime color pantsuit. Behind her was a boy, a strange looking boy. He had sad puppy dog eyes and brown hair that stood straight up. He wore a bright red hoodie and Coraline noticed that he had zombie pins on his hoodie and backpack. Some of them were the same as Wybie. Miss Thompson shifts her attention to the women and the boy. “Good morning Mrs. Babcock and you must be Norman.” Coraline’s brow furrowed as she heard the young boy’s name.

“Must pick out at the last minute,” Coraline thought. Then again her name was unusual too. She wasn’t sure why her parents chose her name, they always told her that their daughter was going to be a unique girl and needed a name that would fit her personality. The boy took a seat next to her while his mom was talking to Miss Thompson. He looked over at her with a sheepish smile. There was something off about him, Coraline just couldn’t put her finger on it. His mom finished talking to Miss Thompson and walking over to him, the poor woman was a ball of nerves. “You gonna be okay?” She asked. “I’ll be fine Mom.” “Ok. Just remember to take your meds before lunch.” She said, “I will, good luck at the interview.” He said. Mrs. Babcock smiled. “Thanks Sweetie. And you have fun.” she said. Before Mrs. Babcock reaches for the doorknob at the door swing opening. Standing there at the door was Wybie and middle aged women, maybe a teacher. Miss Thompson sighs, “First period start fifteen minutes ago and your already in trouble Mr. Lovat.” She said,

Wybie just gave them a calming smile, he peered over at Coraline. She tried her best not to smirk or roll her eyes at him. “What is this time? “Miss Thompson said. “This time it was the dress code,” the teacher said, holding each one of Wybie’s buttons. Seeing that Norman quickly took off all of his and put it in his pocket. Miss Thompson let out what Coraline would describe and over dramatic sigh. “Well that was the spare uniform we gave you last time. So it looks like your poor grandmother will be getting another call.” she said. Miss Thompson then reaches for the empty candy dish on the top of her desk, each one of Wybie’s buttons echoing in the dish. Then she look over at the boy. “Now than since the Headmaster and Mrs. Darwin won’t be in till later, I’m gonna have to call your poor grandmother during lunch. And you Mister,” she looked into Wybie’s eyes. “And you’ll be joining us on our tour.” she said.

Wybie just smirks than walks over to Coraline. “Couldn't you have fun Core?” he asked. Coraline just smirks back, “Did your “thing,” go off?” she asked. “Nope,” Wybie said popping the letter p. “That’s later,” he said. But then he turned off to Norman, “Huh sweet button.” he told him. Norman blink at him, “What?” Wybie than pointed to left over button at the right side of his red hoodie. It was a zombie with bright blue mochock and lip piercing. “Oh, thanks.” Noman said took off the button before Miss Thompson could see it. “Isn’t that from Riot and Brains.” Wybie asked. “Yeah.” Norman said. “Isn’t that poorly edited and written movie about a zombie rock band?” Coraline asked. Wybie nodded, “What do you mean that movie was awesome and you kept swinging to the music.” he said. Coraline wouldn’t admit it but the music was pretty good. “So do you know each other?” Norman asked. “We have history,” Wybie said with that similar cat-like smirk that earned a flick on a nose from Coraline. Miss Thompson clap her hands and she wave around a bright red flag. “Let’s get going ya.”

Chapter Text

As they walked through halls Coraline was hoping that there weren't any other students there. But there was, they could all hear Miss Thompson loud and overly peppy speech about the school. And since the hall was contract and marble floors each word echoed loud and proudly. “Now our beautiful slice of heaven was found in 1882. It was an original nunnery, hence the name being our sweet Lady Virgin Mary. Young girls, very close to your age,” her eyes landing directly on Coraline. “Would come here and swear to be the Brides of our Lord. It wasn’t until 1962 that it was converted to a school.” She said,

“Well, that wasn’t strange at all,” Wybie whispered. “Think she is trying to convert me?” Coraline said. “I doubt you make a very good nun, Core.” He spoke. They both tried to hold in their snickers. Miss Thompson gave them a quick glance but they went back to straight face. “Maybe you could be a monk?” Norman said. They both looked over at Norman. “Well monks are known to be both male and female in some cultures and it’s.” he blushes and stop speck to look down at his shoes. Coraline and Wybie share a look but just shrugged it off. “So, newbie, settle something for me.” Norman looked over at him. “What’s better Vampires VS the Mansion Feild Zombies or The Daunting of Corp Z?” he asked.

Coraline rolled her eyes at that. Since becoming friends, another thing is that they start doing movie night every Friday. And every time it was Wybie would choose cheesy and badly edited zombie films. “Mm, I would go for The Daunting of Corp Z. It was much better storyline, especially how they tackle how realistic corporate America really is sucking life out small businesses and only see civilization as sheep that they can control with bright and new shiny objects. Also, the makeup was much better. In Vampires VS the Mansion Feild Zombies they just half ass everything. Weak storytelling and slobbering editing. And the costumes are terrible. You can really tell blood is just red paint and the fangs are cheap ones you get at costume stores.” Norman answered. “Oh man of true culture,” Wybie said, slang his arm around Norman’s shoulders.

Norman went stiff but then smiled a bit back at him. “So, what is your story, newbie?” Wybie asked. “Well, my name is Norman and my family moved because a hurricane wrecked our house so now, we live with my mom’s brother's house temporarily.” He spoke. Coraline’s chest tightens. “Sorry to hear about your house,” she said. “Thanks, it was just a freak thing,” Norman said. “I would be sorry about that name,” Wybie said. “What?” Coraline quickly smacks him in the chest. “Ow,” “Well don’t be rude, “Why-were-you’re born.” She snapped. Norman just looks at them with a puzzled look. “Don’t mind him, Wyborn just has a thing when it comes to names.” Coraline said. “It's not a thing, it's a scientific fact,” he said. Coraline rolled her eyes. “So, you say?” “Well, what the fact?” Norman asked. “That ordinary names can lead to ordinary expectations of a person. No offense but Norman is the type of name that gives the impression of ordinary and basic expectation.” Wybie said. Norman shrugged his shoulders. “Make sense to me,” he said. “It does?” Coraline gap. “Yeah, I was named after my granddad Norman. When he was in high school, he was a football legend. What more basic than a high school football star. I think the reason my dad decided to name me that was because he thought I would turn out to be a big-time football star like my grandad and him.” Norman said. Wybie rolled his eyes and gave out a very dramatic sigh. “Ugh football. It's just watching giant idiots bashing into each other. I don't see the point of it.” Wybie said. “Neither do I,” Norman said. They share a laugh, “I like you, Norman. I’m Wybie Lovat and this Water Witch is Coraline Jones,” Coraline smiles at that name. She did try to teach Wybie how to use a dowsing rod. He still didn’t get it. Then he told Coraline that he leaves the water witch crafty to her and he’ll be a man of science.

“Water Witch?” Norman said, with an arch brow. “When we first met, I was using a dowsing rod to find a well nearby our house.” Coraline said. Wybie snicker, “The dowsing rod turn out to be poison ivy." Norman chuckled at that. “Och, I remember when my sister fell into the bush of poison oak. She jumped off a swing set and she was fully covered in hives.” he said. “Dang, my hands only hurt a few days and I can’t imagine my whole body.” Coraline said. “What happened next after that,” Norman asked. “Nothing much, just an evil doll fighting a century old monster who is kidnapping and eating children.” Wybie said. Coraline eyes widen at that, Norman just looks confused. “What?” he said. “Okay my little darlings.” Miss Thompson said, stopping. They look over at teens. “Does anyone need to use the little boys or girl room?” She said and pointed to the nearby bathroom. Norman looked down at his watch, “Yeah I need to go.” he said. “Alright sugar. What about you too,” Miss Thompson asked. “We’re good.” Coraline answered. “All right well I’ll just be a few minutes. And don’t worry about feeling afraid of being alone.” She glared right at Wybie. “We have eyes everywhere.”

As soon as Miss Thompson went into the girl’s room, Coraline slapped Wybie as hard as she could in the chest. “Owww, what was that for,” Wybe moaned. “You know why.” she said. “I honestly don’t.” he said. “It was for not keeping your mouth shut.” She said, “What you got admit we, well mainly you took down a thousand-year-old monster who was kidnapping and eating children including my great-aunt.” he said. "Well, it’s not something I’m proud off and want to blab off to people. They think we’re just a couple of crazy kids.” Coraline said. “You of all people Core shouldn’t care what people think. Besides, Norman seems like a cool dude,” Wybie said. Coraline stayed quiet. “Come on, it's an amazing thing you did, and you should.” “Yeah, and the amazing thing is still giving me nightmares.” She snapped. Both of them look surprised, Coraline at the fact that she said that out loud and Wybie surprise look slowly melt into worry. “You're still getting those?” Wybie asked. Coraline stayed quiet.

Coraline had only told Wybie that she was having nightmares about the Other Mother. He noticed a while back Coraline had a few bags and a dark circle around her eyes. Her parents noticed it too, but Coraline just told that she was fine. Wybie tried his best to get her to talk about them, but it wasn't until he brought her to see his grandmother. Nana Rosie over her cup of hot chocolate and freshly made brownie and Coraline just opened up about them. After all, Nana Rosie was the next closest person to understand what happened to Coraline. “I thought you said you stop getting those.” Wybie said. Coraline bit her inner cheeks. “Coraline,” Wybie said. She groans. “It was just a bad dream.” “How many?” Wybie said. “What?” “How many times have you had this nightmare?” Wybie asked. “Only two.” Coraline said. “Just two?” Wybie said with an arch brow. “Yes, just two.” Coraline state. “Well, if you want to talk about them,” “Wybie I’m,” “Just let me finish.” he said. Coraline straightens her back and looks at him, “Okay,” “If they start getting bad again, I want to know about it, or at least you should call my grandma. Can you at least do that for me, Core?” he asked. Coraline bit her inner cheek, “Yeah I’ll send her text after school.” she said. “Thank you.” Wybie said.

“All my darling little dumplings. I’m about to take you to my favorite spot in the entire school.” Miss Thompon said with an extra giddy tone as she opened the door. “Da da da da! The school auditorium where we put the most fabulous shows.” Coraline hated to admit it, but she was impressed by it. It was twice the size of her old school’s auditorium and it had at least two hundred more seats. The stage was bigger too, could at least it hold three classes on it. “This is my own little slice of heaven. I’ve been running the theater department for almost 3 years now. This semester we’re going to be putting on Hairspray, you know Coraline you would be perfect for the roll of Penny,”

Coraline didn’t even try to hide her face of annoyance this time. She didn’t mind musical theater but there was no way in hell she was getting on that stage. Then the sound of loud bells echoed around them. It was Miss Thompson’s cell phone, she pulled it out of her pocket and frown at the ID caller of it. “I got to take this my dears, I’ll be right back and remember, we have.” “Eyes everywhere.” Wybie finished. Miss Thompson’s rolled her eyes and went back in the hallways. As soon as left Wybie happily slammed down on the cushion chair and propped his feet on the ones in front of him. Coraline sigh. “Getting comfy I see,” she said. “We got plenty of time, Miss T only made that face when her sister’s call. They don’t partially get along.” he said. Coraline just sighs and takes a seat next to him. “What happened to them?” Norman said and took a seat in front of them. “Some kind of feud between them and ex-boyfriends.” Wybie said. “Yikes,” Coraline said. “So, we have a while,” Norman said as he took a seat in front of them.

“Yep. And I have a question for you Norman. What was your old school like?” Wybie said. Norman just shrugged his shoulders and leaned back into his chair. “Nothing really, it was pretty standard school,” he answered. “Really?” Coraline said. “Yep, pretty boring, although for the longest time there was a witch’s curse on my old town.” Norman said. Both Coraline and Wybie froze at that statement, “Come again,” Wybie said. “Oh, it was kind of an out town only claim to fame, but in reality, it was just a sad story that people use for tourism. Modern age of capitalism.” Norman said. “Well now you have to tell us,” Wybie said. “It just a stupid bedtime story,” Norman said. “Please tell us. As a scientist and studier of the unknown I have to hear this story.” Wybie pleaded. But Norman just stayed quiet. “Just for the record Norman,” Coraline said. “Wybie isn’t going to stop pestering you unless you tell him.” she said. “Yes, I will, please please, please tell us the story.” Wybie said. Norman than sigh in defend. “Fine I’ll tell you.” he said. “Yes,” Wybie said with glee. “But I should tell you firsthand,” Norman said and took a breath. “It’s kind of a sad story,” he said. After he said Coraline’s ears perk up. She looks over at strange kid, Norman looked sad, very sad.

“It happens back during the Salem Witch Trials. Now a few trials happen, but this one was different. Someone had brought a young girl to the council; she was just a kid really maybe a few years younger than us. Her name was Agatha,” Coraline watched as Norman's face changed when he said that name. It was more sorrowful. Like he knew her, that he was telling the story of an old friend. “She was considered an outsider to the rest of the town, a loner who spent all her time in the woods. And because of that she was accused of witchcraft. Agatha was brought before the council, and they sentenced her to be burned at the stake. But before she died Agatha cruised the town.” he finished. Coraline could feel her stomach twist.

Coraline first learned about the Witch’s Trail the last years of elementary school, like most kids she didn’t fully understand it. So, when she went home, she asked her mother about it. The way Melanie explained it was that the girls who were accused of being too unique girls who didn’t fit the mold that world had set for them, unique and stubborn heart ones, much like how Coraline was and still is. Coraline likes the idea of being a witch. The next day at school Coraline had declared that she was a witch. Although that did mark her as the weird girl in her class, she didn't care about what they said.

“What was the curse?” Wybie asked. “Agatha was accused of speaking to the dead.” Norman said. “Speaking to the dead, wait does that mean she was talking to ghosts?” Wybie said. “In theory, yes. So, her curse was that each one of the members of the council walk the earth beyond their remaining days,” Norman said. “Brutally. Wait, does that mean she turns them into zombies,” Wybie said. “Again, in theory,” Norman said. “Damn that a wicked curse,” Wybie said. Coraline nodded in agreement. The idea of zombies does sound cool, but not very cool in reality.

Then a loud beeping came out of nowhere making the teens jump. “What is that?” Wybie asked. It turned out to be Norman’s phone. His face turned from sorrowful to annoyance, “Hey is there a bathroom nearby,” he asked. Wybie nodded, “Yeah, it’s in the back of the stage. Why?” he asked. “I got to take my meds really quickly.” Norman grumbled and got up from the seat. Coraline and Wybie made a face, but they kept their mouths shut. Then Wybie reached down into his pocket and pulled a half filled crumpled up water bottle. “Want some?” he offered. Norman polity decline. “No thanks I’m good with just the tap water,” Norman said and walk back toward the stage.

Once Norman was out of sight, Wybie leaned back into his chair, “I like him,” he said. Coraline smiled a bit, “Yeah, he's pretty neat, but he's a little weird too,” she said. “That's why I like him. Weird is so much more interesting.” Wybie said. Coraline snicker. “You're right about that,” “I’m always right.” Wybie said. Coraline just elbowed him in the shoulder. Then the door opens, and Miss Thompson and she look exhausted. Coraline noticed that she was making the same face her parents make when they’re trying deadlines approached. “Oh, I’m sorry dear, I didn’t mean to take so long. Where is Norman?” she asked. “He's in the bathroom,” Wybie said. Coraline stood up with a stretch. “I’ll go get him.” she said.

As Coraline walked down the theater alley she took a deeper look of the theater. Beside the modern age tech and electrical light this was a really old theater. Very, very old, the whole aura around just seems eerie. As if she was longer than someone might have reached out and grabbed her. “Why won’t you let love you,” The Other Mother's voice echoed in her head.

“Well, this does seem like a nice place,” Norman's voice echoed in the backstage. “Oh no no no, it's absolutely dreadful.” A new voice, a woman with a very high pitch voice. Coraline raised a brow, maybe he was on the phone. “It was a nice place when I was alive, but then those nuns came around.” the woman's voice let out a grumpily tone. But considering how high her voice sounds it sounds like an angry hamster. “They were nothing but cranky old crappy ladies who would have definitely been a whole lot happier if they had to catch a rich man’s heart. But sadly, the Goddess of Love didn’t look down at them. All day they would sing their boring long hymns that would tell you that everything that is fun is a one-way ticket to hell. But what really made me mad was they would call all my friends shameless harolats.”

Coraline gasps at what she saw before her. Right there, was a woman floating just right above Norman’s head. She was wearing what Coraline might find in Miss Spink and Forcible closet. A large puff Victorian dress. A large, faded white underdress with a large gray petticoat, black pointed shoes that were too size too small for the women. A towering white puff wig and signific large amount of blue and gray ribbons and bow. “I’m dreaming,” Coraline thought to herself and rubbed her eyes to make sure it was true. “Dreaming, dreaming, dreaming. Wake up Coraline,” she told herself. “Then there was that god-awful southern bell of council. She is even worse than the Nuns,” the woman said in a shrilling voice. Norman chuckled at that. “Yeah, she does seem like a lot,” he said.

“Core! Norm!” Wybie called out. The woman gasps, covering her mouth. “I got go,” Norman said. The women frown, “Come see me again Sir Babcock. I do very much enjoy your company.” she swoons. Norman gave her a warm smile, “I’ll do my best Miss,” “Oh, call me Lady Annebelle.” she said with a wink and vanished into thin air.

Norman got up from his spot and saw Coraline standing in the connor with a shook look on her face. “Are you okay?” he asked. “What..what were you doing?” she asked. Norman just shrugged his shoulders and put his hands in hoodie. “Just tying my shoes,”

Chapter Text

Coraline kept her eyes on Norman as they finished up the tour, in the lunch line, and now at their table. He and Wybie were talking about a new cheap thriller movie that is coming out and the possibility of making their own movie. But Coraline couldn’t stop thinking about that woman, that floating woman. Lady Annabelle. Was she even real? She reminds her of the Other Miss Spink and Forcible in their Other Mother world. Was her nightmare flicking into her daydream. Could nightmares affect daydreams? Maybe she was another one, the Other Mother’s doll, but could her magic even stretch out this far from the house? Maybe she still is.. “Stop it,” Coraline thought to herself.

“Are you okay Core?” Wybie said. Coraline blinked back. “I’m just,” she looked down at her trey with a questionable expression. Each of them had black pit of melted spinach, over lumpy mash potatoes, a gray shade of apple sauce and chicken patty that resembles a brick. “Are we sure we can call this food?” Norman asked, poking it with force. “No, it's clearly a bio-engineering weapon that the school board created to brainwash kids and turn them into normies,” Wybie said. “Why would they brainwash us?” Coraline asked. “Isn’t obvious, it's for test scores. The higher the score the more money the school gets.” he said. “Then how do you explain the soccer team?” Coraline said and pointed to the very large table across from them. The table was full of teenage boys the size of grizzly bears wolfing down all the food as it was their last meal. “Brainwashing doesn’t work ok for athletes because time has proven that they don't have brains,” Wybie said. Then suddenly a loud thud echoed, one the soccer boys had knocked down a bowl of gray applesauce and it began rolling towards the end of the cafeteria.

They watched in silence as the bowl rolled down to the lone table at the end, there was a boy sitting there all by himself. His long jet-black hair tied back into a messy ponytail. He reached down to pick up the bowl, when he stood back up and the light caught his face Coraline gap to see that there was a very large black patch over his right eye. “Who's that?” Norman said in a whisper-like tone. “That’s Kubo Tadashi. He was the last new kid that showed up here last semester,” Wybie said in an almost sour tone of voice. “I would stay away from him, from what I heard the kid is a bad luck. He got an evil eye.” he said. Both Coraline and Norman looked at him with confusing looks. “What is that supposed to mean?” Coraline said.

“Well, I heard a rumor once,” Wybie said, taking a swig of his milk. “Last semester there was this big fire in the chemistry lab. They mange to get everyone on time but there was a lot of property damage.” Wybie said. “What does that have to do with Kubo?” Coraline asked. “He was the reason for the fire,” Wybie said. “He started it?” Norman gap. “Not exactly according to the rumor, he just stared at the bunts burner and burst into flames.” Wybie said. “Maybe it was a faulty gas line,” Coraline said. “That wasn’t the first incident. One time in the boy's bathroom, Tadashi looked at the mirror with his good eye and all the mirrors and the small windows shattered to pieces. Then one time in the gym Tadashi looked at the bleacher controls and then the whole thing started up again. Sent two kids to the ER.” Wybie said. Coraline and Norman look over at Tadashi. It was strange to hear all of them, he just seemed like another student.

After lunch Miss Thompson Walk the teens to their new home room.

Room 106

Once they entered, the teacher, an older man that looked to be in mid-thirties smiled at them. He was fairly handsome, with a nice square jaw like with a nicely time beard and gray blue eyes. He wore a golden and blue plaid suit with the school emblem on his chest. Once he stood up, they could see his tall leather boots that click with each step he took. “Aah good to see you again Mister Lovet,” he said. Wybie smirks. “You would get bored without me Mr. F,” he said. The teacher smiled. “Indeed, I would,” Wybie just smirks and walks over to a desk. “How was he?” Mr. F said. Miss Thompson sigh, “Steady but like I said last year. Good luck with him. But these our new little cuties,” Miss Thompson wrapped her arms around Coraline and Norman. “These are you new students,” “Ah yes, Mr. Norman Babcock and Ms. Coraline Jones.” Coraline blink and felt her check heat up for a second and looked up at Mr. F. That was the first time a teacher ever got her name right. “It nice to meet you Mr…” Norman paused. “Mr. Frost, but you maybe call me Mr. F too if you like,” he said.

Coraline and Norman looked around the room, beside Wybie there were only two other kids in the room. Kubo Tadashi and a curly-haired red girl. Beside the girl matching gray and black uniform, she wore pink polka dots stocking with white Mary Jane’s. The ribbons in her hair were light pastel purple and showered in glitter. She was doing it in a light blue notebook with a decorative gel pen with a pink daisy at the end of it. “Mr. Tadashi and Miss. Portley-Rind,” Mr. Frost said. The redhead girl grab the edge of skirt and crusty like a proper lady. “I'm Winnie Portley-Rind. And I’m thinking of becoming a professional busker.” Coraline and Norman blinked. What a busker? Kubo than bow, “I’m Tadashi Kubo, and I like music and folding paper,” he said, then sat back down. “Lively as ever,” Mr. Frost said, then turned to Coraline and Norman indicated that it was their turn. “Oh I’m Coraline Jones. And I like…” Coraline couldn’t figure out what to say. How do you describe yourself in just one sentence, so she just mumbled the first thing that pop in her head, “I like Black Cherry Pop-Tarts,” Norman and the rest of the class blinked at her. It was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. But then Norman opened his mouth, “I’m Norman and I like Zombie movies,” he said. “Nice and to the point. You all may have free study time but tomorrow I’ll be assigning you a special project.” Mr. Frost said.

For the rest of the day, Coraline tried to focus on the school manual. She really didn’t want to dry her hair back to that gross shade of brown. But her eyes kept drifting off to Norman and Wybie. Wybie had turn his chair around to face Norman’s desk and pulled out his own notebook. He was showing off his recent Polaroids. His face turns when Wybie shows the new recent picture of the nest of banana slugs, “Not a big bug,” Coraline smirks. But then her breath hitched. A glitter blue and yellow mist began to form around Norman. She tried to hold in her gasp as the mist began to take shape. It took the shape of two young kids, a boy and a girl, they couldn’t be more than eight years old. They dress like that of a production of Oliver Twist, Victorian style clothing but they didn’t have any shoes on, and their faces were covered in dirt. The girl had loose lace in knotted hair and the boy wore a hat that was too big for his small head. They both gaze at the picture with wonder. “It’s been forever since we saw photos like this,” the girl said. “Yeah, nowadays these kids only have pictures on those small black boxes. It's too hard to see, but I like those funny moving pictures with cats,” the boy said.

Norman then shifts his head; he looks over at the boy. The boy gasped, Norman was looking right in his eyes. Then Norman pulled out his phone. “That kind of reminds me of this cat video I saw,” Norman said, he stretched out his arms to make sure that Wybie and the little boy and girl could see the screen. It opens up on a small little tuxedo cat in the middle of a veggie garden. The little kitten was stumbling in the garden with its little two-inch legs, but then it came across a very large yellow squash that looked very similar to a large banana slug. The little kitten got into a fighting stance, puffing up in a fuzz ball of anger. “It's so cute,” the little girl giggled, “Is it going to fight a squash?” the boy whispered. Wybie smirks. “You know the reason cats do that is because they mistake them for snakes and small predators. My cat does that when he goes in my grandma’s garden.” he said and took out his phone and showed Norman and the little kids the picture of the Cat. “What a strange looking kitty,” the little girl said. Norman nodded his head; it was a strange looking cat. “What is his name?” he asked. “Oh, he doesn’t have a name.” Wybie said.

Both Norman and the little kids look at him. “You have a cat, but it doesn’t have a name?” Norman asked. “Well that's just rude,” the little girl whispered. “Even strange looking cats need a name.” the little boy said. “Well, it's not really my cat, he's kind of a wild beast.” “A wild beast?” the boy said. “Yeah, I live in the forest by our house and bring me little dead things and good-looking rocks to study.” Wybie said. “Well, he still needs a name.” the little girl said. “Even wild beasts need names,” Norman said. Wybie then turned back to phone and pursed his lips, “You might be right. But it’s going to find a cool name for him,” he said.

Then the school bell rang, marking that day was finally over. Coraline sighs and reaches down for her bag and sees a pair of white Maryjane by her desk, she looks up to see that Winnie was standing right by her desk. “Um hi,” she said. “I like your hair,” she said and walked away. Coraline blinked at that. Was that supposed to be a comment? Or was she being too judgy. Coraline just shook her head, “Never mind that,” she thought and picked up her bag. Then she felt a sudden thump against her shoulder. Coraline looked around to see that it was Kubo. “Sorry I didn’t see you there,” he said. Then he did something with his face, Coraline couldn’t tell if he was winking at her or maybe just blinking his one good eye. Either way she felt a cold black stone drop in her stomach. Maybe Wybie was... Coraline pushes that thought down before she finishes it.

The pickup area was in the front of the school roundabout driveway, separating the students by their homeroom. Coraline thought it was strange considering that they were the smallest group in the whole school. But what surprised her more when two stretch limos came pulling up. “Mr. Tadash, Miss Portley- Rind I believe that your ride is here,” Mr. Frost said. Winnie than sigh than put on a bright smile for her teacher. “Have a good evening, Mr. Frost.” she said with a bell ringing in her voice. “As do you,” he said, giving her a gentle bow. Then Kubo fellow and bowed to Mr. Frost, “Have a good night, Mr. Frost,” Mr. Frost bow back, “Please give my wishes to your grandfather,” he said. Kubo put on a similar fake smile like Winnie, “I will,” and walked out to the limos. Two people came out of the limos, a well-dressed gentleman with an extravagant mustache, the one you would see in old black and white cartoons, opened the door for Winnie. And a beautiful young lady in very tall high heels that clicked against the pavement opened the door for Kubo. Both the students walk down to their rides like perfect wind-up dolls. “That was strange,”

Coraline thought, but then she saw a large, beat down blue pickup truck. Then the engine puffs out smoke every three minutes, “That’s for me,” Norman said. “See you tomorrow Norman,” Wybie said, offering him a fist bump. Norman did it back, “And don’t worry tomorrow I’m goanna figure out a cool nickname for you.” Wybie said. Norman smirk, “Well my last school I was call Nerdy Ghost boy. I don’t think it was a term for endearment though.” he said. Then he looked over at Coraline and waved at her. “See you tomorrow.” he said. Coraline just wave back at him. Norman pauses and rushes over the truck. A blonde-haired teenage girl in a pink tracksuit opens the door. “Sup nerd,” she said, ruffling his hair. “Hey Court,” he said. “How was your first day,” Norman look back at Norman and Coraline, “Not bad. How was trying out for the track team?” Noman asked. Courtney just rolled her eyes, “You know I’m going to start ranting about how lame this new high school is and how the track team is goanna take forever to whip into shape.” Courtney said. Norman just smiles at his sister, “Rant away,”

Then Melanie Jones’s old grey beetle came through, Coraline watch as her mother rolled down the window. “Wyborn you’re hired,” she shouted. Both the teens look confuse but then it dawns on Coraline, “Dad chased out another photographer,” “This time with a garden hose and somehow got Mr. B’s dancing mice in the backseat of his car. You said you’ll do ten dollars a day?” she asked. “I think I said ten dollars an hour.” Wybie said. Then Melanie gave what Coraline would call the “The Look,” the type of look an adult, well a parent would give a child, and you feel an instant chill go down you snip, the feeling that you know you overstep you and make you spill your guts. Coraline would always watch Melanie give her father that look whenever a deadline came close, he was goofing off instead of writing. Coraline would always marvel at that, it was like her mother's own superpower. Melanie used to do it at Coraline but stopped doing shortly when she saw the scared look in her daughter’s eye. Coraline would never say to her directly, but Melanie knew that some time Coraline, her sweet brave and clever girl, could still have those glossy black buttons staring back at her.

“So how was your first day?” Charlie saw his girls come into the house. “It was okay, normal like any other school. There also was another new kid there too.” Coraline said as she swung her bag over her chair. “Oh, that's nice, what is their name?” Melanie asked. “Norman,” Coraline answered, stretching out his name. “That still a name people are giving their kids?” Charlie asked. “Yeah, but that wasn't a weird part, they put me in the same home room with him and Wybie and two other kids,” she said. Melanie rose her brow. “There were only two other kids?” she asked. “Yeah, a girl and a boy,” he said. “What is their name?” “Winnie and Kubo. They are weird too. Also, what busker?” Coraline asked. Charlie busted out laughing. “Oh, that takes me back.” Coraline archer his brow and looked over her mother. “Back in college your dad was a bit of a nerd.” Melanie said. Coraline snicker, “Was a bit of a nerd?” she said. Both of her parents laugh. “Okay I’m still a nerd,” Charlie said, pulling out a frozen pizza. “Back in college my friends and I would go down renaissance fairs. We take turns being our guild's buskers. We were storytellers going around the fair making songs about everyone and everything we saw. That’s what a busker is, a storyteller. Although I was dressed up like a jester, had a steel drum on my back, cymbals on my knees, playing my accordion and harmonica in my mouth.” Charlie said. Coraline looked over at her mother. “I thought it was cute,” Melanie said. Coraline rolled her eyes, both of her parents were nerds.

“Well, the other kid's name was Kubo, he is weird too and has eyepatch.” Coraline said. Melanie sighs and gives Coraline a mug of warm milk. “Well try to give them the benefit of the doubt, they might be nice.” she said. “I doubt they both have little rich riches. They were picked up in limos today.” Coraline grumbled. “Oh, I thought I stumbled into a funeral service.” Melanie chuckled but then ruffled her daughter’s hair. “Well just be nice, you never know if you might like them. I mean you thought Wybie was weird now he is almost here everyday.” Melanie said. Coraline sighs and reaches out for her backpack. She pulled out the pamphlets and student handbook. “We’re going to go to the drug store soon. I’m going to head up the stairs.” she said. Melanie watches her daughter go upstairs and sigh deeply. Charlie walked over to his wife, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her back to his chest. “Are you doing, okay?” he asked. Melanie sigh as lean against her husband. “I know Mel. The teenage years are starting and it’s going to be rough. When Cory is ready, she’ll tell us.” Charlie said. Mel sighs, “I know. I just wish she would let us know.”

Coraline sighs as slammed down on her bed, staring back up the creaking ceiling. It was so bleck as usual, her dad said that could put up fairy lights soon. She pulled a strain of her blue hair and sigh, “I really don’t wanna dye it,” she said. Then there was a tap on her window. Coraline looked up to see the Cat sitting in his spot. Coraline smiled and walked up to open the window, “Come to check up on me,” the Cat nuzzled his head against her palm and soon found himself sitting on her lap. Coraline smiled and happily listened to his purrs, but then a familiar lump crawled into her throat. “I have a question,” she left the Cat up to her face. “A question only you can answer.” she said. The Cat stops purring and looks over at her. “I saw a ghost today. A Victorian lady who said she was an actress. But there was someone else too. A kid named Norman and he was talking to the ghost. He could see her too. So my question is could I not be the only one that… escapes from the Other Mother.” Coraline asked. The Cat just stared at her. Coraline sighs, “It would be really easy if you could talk in this world.” she said.

Then a rustling noise came from her bed, the Cat jumped from her lap and on to her bed. He began pawing at her backpack. “What are you getting at?” Coraline said. She opened the bag and inside there was an origami shaped cat head made out of bright yellow paper. “Weird,” she said. The Cat nudged his head on the origami, “You want me to open it,” she said. The Cat gave her a small node. With small tingling fingers, Coraline slowly opens the origami head. She gasps and drops the note on her bed. There was a message inside of it.

Hello Miss Coraline Jones

Winnie swung her backpack on the seat, and she leaned back against the back leather. “How was school today Miss Winnie,” her driver, Gaven asked. “We got into new students,” she said. “That sounds lovely, what are their names?” he asked. “Norman and Coraline,” she said. “I always thought Caroline was a wonderful name,” Gaven said. “No it wasn’t Caroline, it was Coraline. Cor-a-line.” Winnie said. “Oh now that sound… unique,” Gaven said. “During our class introduction she said she likes Black Cherry Pop Tart and she had blue hair,” Winnie said, pulling on her own curly red braid. “Blue hair, my word. Why did her parents let her do that,” Gaven said. “I thought it was fascinating,” she swooned and pulled out her phone. There were two messages from her parents.

Father
Staying late with the clubsmen tonight

Mother
Book club will be running late tonight

Winnie rolled her eyes. “Why do they even bother,” she said.

Once they arrived at her family marble mansion, Winnie always got the feeling that she entered a museum rather than a home. Once they entered the mansion, the staff did their normal thing, smiling and bowing. Winnie hated when they did that, but she didn’t want to be ungrateful so she put on her own proud Portley-Rind smile. “Good evening everyone,” she said. “Good evening Miss Portley-Rind,” They said. Two maids, Miss Edaline, the head of the staff and Miss Daniella walked over to her offer to take her bag. “How was school today Miss,” Edaline asked. “It was good,” “Diner would be at six o’clock,” Daniella said. “Thank you, I'll be in my room.” she said, walking up the stairs. She was still smiling.

Once she was in her bedroom, Winnie stopped smiling and groaning and she slumped against her bed. Then she looks over to her pillows and reaches over to pull out three things, her journal, tablet and her copy of classic horror stories. Winnie smiles at the book. Although her parents dawn her with bright dresses, each of them a different shade of pink, red and purple, and her room is fit nothing less for a princess. Winnie loves classic horror and gruesome monster stories. It started when she found an anniversary edition of Adventure of Ichabod Crane in Sleepy Hollow. As she read it she pictured herself as Katrina Van Tassel trying being dancing around a large fireplace. Winnie would never say it out loud, not even to her own dairy, but she would rather have Mr. Ichabod Crane or Mr Hyde rather than Mr. Darcy or Dr. Jekyll. “I wonder if Coraline would…” She then reaches for her tablet. Winnie type in Black Cherry Poptarts, at first there was the food. Then she saw it. It was a band, an all girl rock band. Winnie’s eyes went wide. They look incredible. Winnie's eyes fell directly to the lead singer Veronica Stormhold, since she had the blue hair she must be Miss Coraline’s favorite. Winnie than reach over to her posted noted;

Please do not disturb me, I’m doing my homework.
Please drop my diner by the door.
Thank you and have a good night

Since her parents aren’t going to be home there was no point in sitting by herself in the middle of that large dining room.

Kubo carefully goes into the limo, his Aunt Karaus and Washi on the side of the limo, both of them on their phones. “Good afternoon Aunties.” Kubok said. Karaus didn’t lift her head from her phone, Washi just gave him a quick glance. “How was school Kubo?” she said. “It was good,” he said. Then it was back to silence. This is how their conversation normally went. Hello, and how do you do, then back to silence. Kubo didn’t care much about it, he would just put his headphones on and pull out some folding paper.

Once they get to the minor, Karaus and Washi Walk out the limo first, not even holding the door for their nephew. Kubo watches as his aunts drop their stuff off with staff and gave them plans for dinner and walk upstairs to their offices. They were always working… even long since his grandfather got sick. Kubo smiled at the maids that took his stuff. “Good evening, Master Kubo,” “Good evening, Emi and Akio.” “How was school today?” Akio asked. “It was instreaming. How is Grandfather?" The maid shared a look with each other. “It's been um…” Akio said. “An on and off day.” Emi said. Kubo just shrugged his shoulders. An on/off day was better than an off day. “I’ll go see him after I speak with my parents,” he said. Kubo has been living with his Aunts and Grandfather since was about seven years olds. His parents, well mainly his mother Sariotu asked them to watch over him while she and his father went off on their “business trip,” Normally their business trips would take about two weeks or maybe even a month. But they still haven’t come back for him. Just not yet, they’re still out there. Not that he doesn’t mind staying with his aunts and grandfather, well his aunts seem to mind. They didn’t care for him that much; well it mainly had to deal with the fact that they did not like his father at all. Of course they would never say it out loud, but it was a little things, like when Auntie Washi would say, “It's such a shame you took so much after your father,” And his grandfather… Well there were good and bad days too.

Kubo walked further down the house to his grandfather’s room. His bedroom was on the far end of the house on the first floor that overlooks the garden. Grandfather Raiden always likes to look out at the garden. There was a pound in the garden he always favored. On a clear night you could see the full moon reflecting in the water. Kubo knocked on the door twice, “Come in,” his grandfather’s voice was crack like wind snapping through trees. Kubo slowly opens the door and Grandfather Raiden smiles at him from his sleeping mat. “Kubo my dear boy,” Kubo smiled and took a sit next to him. “Hello Grandfather,” “Where have you been? I haven’t seen you all day.” He spoke. “I’ve been at school Grandfather.” “Oh,” Raiden tried to form his memories. “That’s right it’s Thursday,” he said. Kubo blinked, “It’s actually Tuesday,” he whispers and look down at the origami figure around his grandfather. There was a crane, a horse, a star and crescent moon. “Those look nice,” Kubo said. Raiden smile at them, “Thank you,” Then hand his grandson some paper. “Come, join me,” he said. Kubo smiled and happily took the paper. They sat in comfortable silence folding the paper, but then Raiden looked over at his grandson, “Tell me how was school?” Raiden asked. “Good,” Kubo said, as he stared from folding his paper into a crane. “Anything fun?” “We have two new kids in my homeroom class,” he said. “That sounds nice,” he said. Kubo stayed quiet and focused on the crane. Raiden knew when his grandson got this quiet. “You sense something don’t you,” he said. He stayed quiet. Raiden put his figure under his grandson’s chin and making him look him in the eye. “You can’t hide anything from me my little moon boy,” and flick his nose. Kubo whipped his nose, “Grandfather,” he groaned. “You remind me of your mother sometimes.” Raiden said. Kubo blinked. “You kind of tried to be as grown up as you can but you’re still always gonna be one my little one moonbeams,” he said. Kubo rolled his eye and looked at his grandfather. “So tell me,” Raiden said. “Do you sense it?” he asked. “I do,” Kubo said. Raiden sighs, “Well can you sense if it is a good present or bad present?” Raiden asked. “I’m not sure yet,” he said. “I don’t know yet,” Kubo said. Raiden finished folding his swan, “Well my grandson. Please be careful,”