The School on the Cliff: Ch. 3 - Footprints

Lily spies something curious during outdoor school

Lily, Sam, Maya, and Jack had just discovered that tiny, silver key with the fluttery wings in the secret library beneath their very own School on the Cliff. What a thrilling find! They knew it must unlock another one of the school's magical secrets.

Now, the next day, Jack was in his math class, you know, adding up all sorts of interesting things like how many lollipops five children would have if each had three (that was always a favorite problem!). He was reaching into his pocket for a little toy soldier he liked to fidget with – it helped him think, he said – when whoops! Out tumbled the little winged key! It landed on the floor with the faintest little tink.

The teacher, Mr. Fitzwilliam, a kind man with a twinkle in his eye and a neatly trimmed beard, noticed the shiny object immediately. "Well now, Jack," he said in a gentle voice, "what's this interesting trinket?"

Jack's cheeks went a little bit pink. He hadn't meant for the key to come out! He carefully picked it up. "It's... it…