"Oh my goodness, Boo…" Alina said, half laughing, half shushing him, though she was secretly tickled pink at the thought of Dante's hidden sweet tooth. "That's our little secret, alright? You can't tell anyone else."
"Promise!" Boo said. "But Teacher — if you ever want, Boo will steal chocolate from Principal's box for you!" He looked so serious she had to bite back another laugh.
"No, no stealing," she said, booping his nose softly. "But thank you for telling me your precious secret, Boo. Teacher feels very special."
Boo puffed up proudly, spinning around in a happy little loop. "Boo's teacher is best gossip friend ever!" he said, his giggles echoing softly under the evening sky.
"So, Boo…" Alina said softly, her voice barely louder than the rustling leaves nearby. She looked at him — his little semi-transparent body floating just inches from her knee. His tiny feet didn't touch the ground, and his ghost tail curled like soft mist.
