Year 2050. After the Philippines finally became a progressive nation, fourteen-year-old Milo Sidaris and his parents moved into the country where the remaining islands are built into these colorful domes.
You would think life is gonna be normal for...
The chapter title means "something unexpected." This will be the start of a new dilemma for Milo and his friends.
•••
An explosion of colors and smells enamored the entire town of Aspin. The country officially recognized the feast of Diwali (a.k.a. "Festival of Lights") as a national holiday in homage to the vast Indian community. At 11:00, Principal Rizal has announced the entire lunch break will be dedicated to eating Indian recipes such as samosas, murukku, namakpare and rice kheer. Each corner of the campus has an oil lamp called the diya, surrounded by a colorful rangoli in the form of flowers. All afternoon classes are cancelled for today. Rohan is tasked to ensure everything goes swimmingly. He is joined by other students from senior high school as well as the art and dance club members. Whether you love it or not, the school is obliged to play Indian music throughout the event.
At the strike of twelve.
Everybody was allowed to leave anytime they wanted. "So glad to get away from those annoying Diwali music! It's driving me nuts!" Leo still had his hands on his ears.
"It's been made mandatory for schools to celebrate other holidays. Chinese New Year, Amnesty Week, Ramadan ... " Jin counted.
"Really? I didn't know that," Milo said.
"It's always been. Now c'mon! There's a great place we wanna show you," Irene assured him.
The group decided to hang out at SC Global*. They sat down near the huge fountain with the dancing lights. The mall is always packed with people, but this time the crowds have doubled at the beginning of Diwali. As they were chatting, a barking male voice caught their attention.
"Hey, losers!"
They all looked around until their eyes fell on a group of five students wearing crimson uniforms. Standing at the front center is a tall pale boy with spiky dark hair.
"Oh no ... " Irene gasped. "W-Who are they?" Milo sounded afraid.
"It's Jonathan Garcia of The Red Flower Academy!" she said.
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*NOTE: - SC Global is a parody of "SM Mall of Asia."
