CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY SEVEN – THE MYSTERY STUDENT

The remainder of the class period flew by in a whirlwind of conversations, Jasmine circulating and playing sounding board to each group's formative visions. By the time she called for final thoughts, she could feel the sparks of inspiration crackling through the air like static electricity. "Okay, you have your marching orders for the next two weeks," she said, unable to keep the smile from her voice. "I want you to ponder, plan, sketch with your teammates. And above all else, lean into that sacred space where pure creativity is allowed to burn brightest." There were a few murmurs of acknowledgment, but mostly the students seemed too absorbed, hunched in pockets discussing notes and sketches and storyboards. Jasmine felt a surge of nostalgic fondness - she remembered that state of heightened focus well from her own days. Riding that contented wave, she absently turned to gather up her things...only to find Alex directly in her field of view, having somehow circumvented her notice to