Then something remarkable happened. In response to Ms. Belfrys passion and enthusiasm, the class fell into stunned silence. It wasnt the tense silence of a poised attack, but the humbled silence of having learned something inspiring.

Oliver felt a swell in his stomach. Ms. Belfry really was the most awesome teacher. She was the only person whod shown anywhere near the level of excitement he had for physics and science and inventors, and her excitement even managed to silence his rowdy classmates, if only temporarily.

Just then, a huge gust of wind made the window panes rattle. Everyone jumped in unison and turned their eyes toward the gray skies outside.

Looks like the storm is going to hit soon, Ms. Belfry said.

No sooner had she spoken, than the voice of the principal came over the speaker.

Students, weve just received a warning from the National Weather Service. This is going to be the storm of the century, the likes of which weve never seen before. We really dont know what to expect. So to be on the safe side, the mayor is canceling classes for the day.

Everyone started shouting excitedly and Oliver strained to hear the final words of the principals announcement.

The storm is due to hit within the next hour. There are buses outside. Please head straight home. The official warning is to not be outside when the storm hits in approximately one hour. This is a city-wide warning so your parents will be expecting you home. Anyone caught truanting will face suspension.

Around Oliver, no one seemed to care. All theyd heard was that school was out and they were going to make the most of it. They grabbed their books and hurried out of the classroom like a stampede of buffaloes.

Oliver collected his own things more slowly.

You did great today, Ms. Belfry told him as she placed all of her little models into her bag. Are you okay getting home? She looked concerned about his welfare.

Oliver nodded to reassure her. Ill get the bus with everyone else, he said, realizing as he did that that might mean enduring a journey with Chris. He shuddered.

Oliver swung the strap of his backpack over his shoulder and followed the rest of the school kids outside. The sky was so dark, it was practically black. It felt very ominous.

Head bowed, Oliver started walking toward the bus stop. But just then, he caught sight of something behind him, something far more scary than a black tropical storm cloud: Chris. And running alongside him were his cronies.

Oliver turned and bolted. He headed straight toward the first bus in the queue. The bus was crammed with kids and clearly ready to leave. Not even checking to see where it was going, Oliver threw himself onboard.