The Georgia air hung thick and wet, heavy with the promise of an afternoon storm. Inside the classroom, the only sound was the low hum of an ancient air conditioning unit struggling against the heat. Rows of worn desks were filled with the usual end-of-summer groan of students who'd rather be anywhere else.
At the front of the room, a man in his early thirties leaned against the chalkboard, arms crossed. He wasn't old enough to be boring, but not young enough to be one of them. He let the silence stretch for a moment longer before pushing off the board.
Josiah Price
Some of you look like you'd rather be getting a root canal.
A few tired chuckles rippled through the room.
I'm Mr. Price. This is Human Development. And before you check your phones and mentally check out — I've got something different planned for this semester.
He paused, letting the curiosity do its work.
Starting next week, a select group of students will be participating in a special project. You'll be partnered up, and together you'll be responsible for a real baby from the Willow Creek Children's Home.
The silence that followed was loud. Then came the murmurs.
Belinda
from her seat two rows over, whispering, eyes wide Girl. Did he just say a baby?
Mr. Price caught the ripple of whispers and smiled.
Josiah Price
No dolls. No simulations. A real child who needs care. For one month, you'll learn what it actually takes to show up for someone other than yourself.
The door at the back of the room creaked open. A few heads turned, but most were too focused on the announcement.
You'll be paired up and expected to work together. Manage your time, handle the late nights, and figure out how to balance everything else.
He scanned the room, his gaze landing somewhere in the middle — near your row.
This isn't about pretending to be parents. It's about learning what it means to be responsible for someone who depends on you. And I don't expect all of you to enjoy it.
The door opened wider.
A late arrival slipped in, tall, moving with a kind of ease that made it impossible not to notice him. Malachi Williams. Kai. He had a duffel bag slung over one shoulder, a chain catching the fluorescent light, and the slow, knowing grin of someone used to walking into a room full of eyes.
glancing at him Nice of you to join us, Mr. Williams.
Malachi Williams
Wouldn't miss it, Mr. Price.
He slid into an empty seat near the back, not far from you. A few people turned to look, some whispered his name, but he just leaned back in the chair like he owned the place.
Mr. Price looked at the class again.
Josiah Price
Partners will be announced Monday. Come prepared. This semester, you're going to learn a lot more than what's in the textbook.
The bell rang, and the spell broke. Chairs scraped, phones came out, conversations exploded.
Belinda
grabbing your arm as the room clears A baby. A whole real baby. Do you think they'd actually let us take care of one? Like... at home?
Before you could answer, you caught movement in your peripheral vision. Kai had stood up, stretching with an unhurried calm, his eyes scanning the room until they stopped — briefly — on you.
He didn't say anything. Just held the look for a beat too long before turning and walking out with his friends, Mars falling into step beside him.
Mars
Bro, you hear what he said? A baby. You know that means you gotta actually show up on time to something, right?
Kai's laugh drifted back through the doorway, low and easy.
Malachi Williams
I show up where I'm needed.
The classroom emptied. Mr. Price was erasing the board, humming to himself. Your new schedule sat in your hands, the first page of a semester already feeling heavier than it should.