A group of third-graders met under the giant oak tree on the playground. The tree's branches were like a tent above them. A breeze whispered through the golden leaves.
"I think she's strange,” Melody said. “Have you noticed her odd little smile?”
"I think she smiles because she's nice. And her accent is really neat!” Liza said.
“I think her accent is freaky. And what about that Romanian story?” Howie asked.
Carey nodded her head. “Why do you think her family had to leave? Do you think they're criminals?”
Melody's eyes got big. "Maybe they're jewel thieves. That's probaby where she got that huge brooch she wears. Have you noticed how she keeps rubbing it?"