Chapter 32: Unexpected Mischief

It was a sunny day, and Ethan was full of energy. Isabella had dropped him off at school, and as usual, the teachers were on alert, well aware of his mischievous spirit. However, they had no idea that today Ethan had something special planned.

During recess, Ethan gathered a couple of his friends and began explaining his plan in a hushed voice. The kids laughed, excited and a little nervous, as Ethan went over every detail. His target was none other than the music room, where he planned to play a “little prank” on Mr. Rogers, their teacher.

—We’re going to swap the sheet music with animal drawings —Ethan whispered, barely holding back his laughter—. So when he starts playing, he’ll have to improvise, and we’ll all crack up!

Ethan’s friends eagerly volunteered to help. Sneakily, the little group of pranksters slipped into the music room while everyone else was busy. Ethan carefully replaced the sheet music with papers covered in animal drawings. To add to the chaos, he moved a few instruments around, ensuring Mr. Rogers would have to hunt for them at the start of class.

The moment arrived. When Mr. Rogers played the first note, he stopped, confused to see an elephant drawn on the sheet instead of a song. The kids couldn’t hold back their laughter, and though the teacher looked puzzled, he eventually joined in the fun.

—Who did this? —Mr. Rogers asked, trying to sound stern but unable to hide a smile.

Ethan raised his hand with a mischievous grin.

—It was me, Mr. Rogers. But… I just thought we needed a little fun in class!

The teacher sighed, though his smile remained.

—Ethan, you certainly have an active imagination. But remember, the music room is for learning, not pranks.

The classmates clapped, delighted by the laughter. When Alexander was informed about his son’s little prank, he tried to keep a serious face, but the story was so funny that he ended up laughing alongside Ethan. He knew that while mischievous, his son only wanted to bring joy and fun to those around him.

The next day, Ethan arrived at school determined to continue his mission to make every day more entertaining. This time, he had another idea in mind—a prank he had been planning for days.

During science class, he seized the moment while the teacher was distracted to whisper to his closest friends:

—Today, we’re doing the “invisible experiment” —he said with a mischievous smile.

The kids, excited, exchanged conspiratorial looks. When the teacher asked everyone to prepare their materials for an experiment, Ethan and his friends put their plan into action. They used water with food coloring in their test tubes, making it look like they were preparing something serious. But in reality, they were mixing a “secret juice” that, when drunk, would give them “invisibility powers.” It was a simple mix, but with Ethan’s imagination, it seemed like a real magical potion.

—Now we all drink this at the same time —Ethan whispered, holding his test tube.

The kids eagerly followed his lead, drinking the concoction enthusiastically. A second later, they began pretending they were invisible.

—Teacher, Ethan disappeared! —one of his friends exclaimed, feigning surprise.

The teacher raised an eyebrow, watching the spectacle the children were putting on. Ethan and his friends acted invisible, moving around the classroom as if no one could see them.

—Ethan… —the teacher said, trying to sound serious but unable to hide her smile—, what are you doing now?

Ethan replied dramatically:

—Teacher, I disappeared too! Now I’m a ghost!

The teacher shook her head with a smile, realizing Ethan’s imagination knew no bounds. It was impossible to get angry with him since his antics always brought laughter and joy to his classmates.

When Alexander heard about his son’s latest “scientific prank” at the end of the day, he smiled with pride. He knew Ethan had a unique spirit, and although he caused some headaches at school, he was also the cheerful soul who always sought to make others laugh.

Ethan looked up at him with a grin, waiting for his reaction.

—Well, little invisible scientist —Alexander said, crouching to meet his son’s gaze—. What do you have planned for tomorrow?

Ethan laughed, the promise of a new adventure shining in his eyes.

—You’ll see, Dad!

That same night, as Ethan slept at home after a day full of adventures, Alexander and Miranda were at an elegant dinner in an exclusive restaurant. The atmosphere was tense and formal, though Alexander felt a mix of discomfort and fatigue as he faced the conversation Miranda had initiated.

—Alexander, we’ve been putting this off for too long —Miranda said, playing with the wine glass in her hand—. We can’t keep delaying the engagement. My mother is already asking for the date.

Alexander sighed, knowing this moment was inevitable, though it wasn’t exactly the best timing for him. He also knew that something inside him still resisted moving forward with the formal commitment.

—I know —he replied quietly, trying to hide the doubt crossing his mind—, but I’d prefer everything to be perfectly clear before setting a date.

Miranda stared at him, a hint of impatience in her eyes.

—What are you waiting for? We’ve been engaged for months, and it’s time to set a date, Alexander. This can’t go on like this.

He closed his eyes for a moment, resigned. Finally, with a sigh of acceptance, he said:

—Fine, we’ll celebrate the engagement in two weeks. It’ll be a private event, only family and close friends.

Miranda smiled, satisfied, as she began mentally planning every detail of the celebration. However, deep down, Alexander felt an inexplicable emptiness, a latent unease he couldn’t ignore.

Meanwhile, at home, Ethan, who had woken up from his sleep, lay in bed with a strange sense of unease. He didn’t know exactly why, but something made him think about his dad and what might be happening. Maybe it was his childlike intuition, but an idea was already forming in his mind—something mischievous to ensure any e

vent involving his dad and Miranda wouldn’t be as smooth as they planned.