Thanks, Oliver replied. Im not used to so much choice. He blushed as he remembered his meager past and the poverty hed come from. We didnt have food like this at home.

Id be more surprised if you did, Hazel said with a kind chuckle.

Just then the dark-skinned boy beside her leaned over and took a forkful of her potatoes. He grinned devilishly as he shoved the whole thing in his mouth.

Walter! Ralph scolded from the other side. He folded his arms. Get your own.

Walter didnt look fazed by his admonishment. He just kept on grinning. Oliver got the distinct impression that, as the oldest, Ralph sometimes took on a teacherly role. Perhaps it was more of a parent role, since none of the kids here had access to their families. Oliver wondered if they were ever lonely. He himself didnt like his family and was relieved not to have to interact with them anymore. But a lot of kids got on well with their parents and siblings. It must be harder for them being here alone. They must get homesick.

So, new kid? Walter, the boy with an Afro and a mouthful of Hazels stolen mashed potato said to Oliver. How are you coping?

Its a lot to take in, Oliver confessed, thinking back to his conversation with Ralph in the library. Its very different from what Im used to.

When are you from? Walter asked.

When, Oliver noted. Not where. He wasnt even sure how best to describe it.

The third millennium? he tried.

Not too distant then, Walter replied. Im from 1982. Hazels from the fourth millennium3032.

Olivers eyes widened as he snapped his head up to face her. Hazel blushed.

I know, she said. Its sooo cringe.

Oliver had no idea why such a thing would be cringey. All he could think about was how utterly wild this all was. Hazel was from the future!

Is there anyone here from the past? Oliver asked.

Ralph looked up then and chuckled. It depends when your reference point is. Walters from the past for you. Youre from the past for me.

When are you from then? Oliver asked him. It hadnt even occurred to him that Ralph might be from a completely different point in time than him.

I was born in 4040, Ralph said. Fifth millennium. He grinned, like this was something to be very proud of. He looked at the pale boy beside him. When are you from, Simon? I always forget.

1890, the boy said in a very plummy British accent.

Oliver could hardly believe what he was hearing. A school suspended in time, filled with kids from all different eras. His mind spun.

Have you met any teachers yet? Hazel asked, changing the subject. She helped herself to a bowl of popcorn.

Oliver shook his head. I havent seen a single adult since I got here.