Their earlier sadness seemed to disappear as they hurried toward the entrance, each grabbing one of Daniella's hands without waiting for permission.
Daniella allowed herself to be pulled along, still keeping one arm comfortably around Camilla's shoulders.
The two women walked side by side through the reception hall while the children skipped ahead, their animated voices echoing through the building.
Several police officers instinctively stepped aside.
Teachers watched them pass with expressions that ranged from disbelief to utter confusion.
The administrators could only stare.
None of them understood how the woman who had reduced the academy to complete chaos less than half an hour earlier was now leaving as though she had merely stopped by to collect two children after school.
As they stepped outside into the afternoon sunshine, Camilla glanced sideways at Daniella with open curiosity.
