UNEXPECTED MEETING

KIRAN walked into the school in a daze, still trying to process what had happened the night before. The experience had shaken him so much it felt like it had taken years off his life. Maybe that was an exaggeration, but he was just that shock.

Kiran was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't even notice someone approaching until a voice broke through. 

"Good morning, Kiran!" 

The sudden greeting startled him so much that he almost tripped over his own feet. His breath hitched as he quickly steadied himself, blinking in surprise. It took him a moment to register what had just happened, his heart still pounding from being startled.

He had already recognized the voice, so when he lifted his head and saw Astrid, it didn't surprise him as much as the suddenness of his greeting had.

"Good morning, Aster," he said, attempting to salvage his embarrassing stumble earlier. "When did you get back?"

"Just yesterday afternoon," Astrid responded.