I arrived a few minutes early for pickup, expecting to wait in the hallway, but Mr. Kaulitz stepped out of the classroom just as I approached, brushing chalk from his hands and offering me a quick, surprised smile. “You’re early today,” he said lightly, and there was something almost teasing in the way his gaze flicked to mine before drifting back to the doorway. I shrugged, pretending I hadn’t noticed. “Lucky timing, I guess.” He nodded, the corner of his mouth curving like he was amused by something he didn’t plan on saying out loud, and for a moment we just stood there—me trying not to look too flustered, him looking far too composed for someone who’d just spent the day wrangling seven-year-olds. Then he added, softer, “Ava’s finishing up a drawing. You can come in, if you’d like.” And even though it was such a simple invitation, the warmth in his voice made it feel like more than just good manners.