Themorningclassespassedbyinablur.Lilytriedherbesttoconcentrate,buthermindkeptdriftingto"78,"nestledsafelyinherbackpack.Sheimagineditssoftpurrs,itstinymeows,andthewarmthofitsfur.Shecouldn'twaittoshowherteacherandherclassmates.

Duringrecess,LilyfinallymusteredthecouragetoapproachMs.Evelyn.Withtremblinghands,sheunzippedherbackpackandrevealed"78."Thekittenblinkeditsinnocenteyes,unawareofthestiritwasabouttocreate.Ms.Evelyngasped,hereyeswideninginsurprise.Shehadneverexpectedanythinglikethis.