The usual buzz of school life hummed in the air, but for once, there wasn't tension or hostility in the air. Instead, a soft summer warmth crept through the hallways of J High as students looked forward to the upcoming break.
Joy, bright and energetic as ever, burst into the cafeteria with a wide smile on her face. "Okay, listen up!" she shouted, grabbing the attention of Daniel, Jalen, Vasco, Zack, Zoe, Mary, and even Jay, who silently stood beside her with a small nod.
"I talked to my parents, and guess what? We can use the family's seaside villas!" Joy beamed. "A full week of sun, sea, and peace. What do you say?"
Zack immediately raised a fist. "Yo, I'm in. I need to get away from school for a while."
Vasco clapped joyfully. "Swimming!"
"What about you Jalen, I know our villa won't be interesting for someone as rich as you but you should come" Joy said in a teasing tone.
"Ok I'll come." Jalen said smiling, folding his arms.
"Oh and Daniel please invite little Daniel" Vasco said.
Daniel nodded weieldy, and after school something weighed on his mind. He knew a trip like this would be impossible without getting into trouble so he decided to bring his perfect body too. And he kept figuring out how to get his perfect body to come.
The Night Before Departure
In his small apartment, Daniel sighed, looking down at his unconscious perfect body lying on the floor, still inactive. His eyes darted to a large rolling suitcase.
"I'm sorry, bro," Daniel muttered as he gently packed the limp body into the suitcase, carefully padding it with pillows and folded clothes. "But I can't leave you alone."
He zipped it shut, double-checking to make sure the suitcase looked completely normal. Then he practiced dragging it around, trying to act casual.
"Yeah," he said to himself. "Totally normal. Nothing weird here."
— — —
The Day of the Trip
Everyone gathered at the station early, excited for the change of scenery.
"Where's Big Daniel" Vasco asked little Daniel.
"Uhm he couldn't come" Little Daniel said nervously.
Everyone's mood dropped a little but they still headed to the train.
Zack was chugging down energy drinks, Vasco was carrying an overpacked backpack full of floaties and sunscreen.
Jalen gave a small hum, looking at the others. "Could be fun."
Then little Daniel entered the train, dragging his suitcase behind him. It looked a little heavy, but no one thought much of it.
Zoe peeked over his shoulder. "Jeez, Daniel, overpack much?"
He forced a laugh. "Yeah, yeah, guess I got too excited."
"Let's get on the train!" Joy called, leading the group to the platform.
As they boarded, the sun was beginning to rise behind the hills, casting long golden rays across the tracks. Luggage thudded into compartments, friends found seats beside each other, and the train let out a low whistle.
Jalen sat by the window, arms crossed, gazing at the passing scenery as the train slowly began to move.
A trip to the coast.
The summer was just getting started.