Chapter:1THE TERM BEGINS
Chapter 1: The New Term
The school bell rang loudly across the courtyard.
Hope tightened the straps of her backpack and smiled. It was the first day of a new term, and she couldn't wait to see her best friend, Halma.
Hope and Halma had been best friends for years. They shared everything—secrets, snacks, jokes, and even their biggest dreams.
At least, Hope thought they did.
“Hope!”
Hope turned around and saw Halma running toward her.
“You're finally here!” Halma said, giving her a huge hug.
Hope laughed. “Of course! I wouldn't miss the first day.”
They walked toward their classroom together, talking about everything they had done during the holiday.
But when they entered the classroom, Hope noticed something strange.
Halma suddenly stopped talking.
“What happened?” Hope asked.
“Nothing,” Halma replied quickly.
Hope looked at her suspiciously. “Are you sure?”
Halma smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes.
“I'm fine.”
Hope didn't know it yet, but something had changed.
And before the end of the week, she would discover a secret that could destroy their friendship forever.
