CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND SIXTY EIGHT – RUINED FIELD TRIP

"Alright, everyone," she said, raising her voice to be heard over the chatter. "I have an announcement to make." Slowly, the noise died down. Even Kevin, slouched in his usual seat at the back, looked up with mild interest. "This Friday, we're going on a field trip," Jasmine continued. "We'll be visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art." A mix of groans and excited whispers filled the room. "Do we have to?" Jake, the boy Kevin had fought with, called out. Jasmine took a deep breath. "Yes, Jake, it's a required part of the course. But I think you'll find it more interesting than you expect. We'll be focusing on the modern and contemporary art sections, seeing how artists have pushed boundaries and challenged conventions." She noticed a flicker of interest in a few faces, including, surprisingly, Kevin's. "Plus," she added with a slight smile, "it gets you out of the classroom for a day." This elicited a few chuckles and nods of approval. Jasmine felt a small surge of hope. Maybe,