Max and Ruby were walking home together after her first day of school. The sun was starting to set, painting the sky in soft orange and pink colors. The streets were quiet, with only a few cars passing by, and a light breeze made the trees rustle gently.
Ruby adjusted her backpack on her shoulder and let out a small sigh.
"That felt longer than I expected," she said.
Max laughed a little. "Yeah, first days are always like that."
They walked side by side on the sidewalk, their steps matching without really thinking about it. Ruby glanced over at him. He still looked completely fine in his uniform, while she felt like she had been trapped in hers all day.
"I still can't believe we have to wear this every day," she said, tugging slightly at her blue jacket.
Max answered, "Told you it was uncomfortable."
Ruby rolled her eyes. "You were right. I hate it."
They kept walking, passing by rows of houses that didn't all look similar. Some had lights on inside, and others were completely quiet. The neighborhood felt calm… almost too calm.
"Hey, are you sure this is the way home? I mean, it's my first time, so am I wrong?"
Ruby asked.
The next thing she knew, Max stopped and looked at her eyes. A gray van stopped right behind her.
The last words she heard from Max were,
"Sorry… had to do it."