---
Situation stable.
Variables increased.
But still under control.
---
Books open on the table.
Pages full of numbers.
Word problems.
Standard.
One of them pointed at a question with a pencil.
---
"This one first…"
The other nodded.
"…number three…"
Yuna looked.
Didn't answer immediately.
Read it first.
---
I cast a quick glance.
Without getting closer.
The problem was simple.
But long.
Inefficient.
---
The girl who spoke earlier began reading out loud.
"A merchant has 24 apples…"
She stopped.
Counted on her fingers.
"…then sells 8…"
Paused again.
"…then buys 12 more…"
She furrowed her brow.
"…so how many are there now…?"
Silence.
---
The other one started writing.
Slowly.
24 - 8 = 16
Then stopped.
Thinking.
16 + 12 = …
She counted again.
It took time.
---
Yuna watched.
Didn't answer right away.
Waiting.
Thinking.
"…twenty-eight…"
The answer came out.
Quiet.
Uncertain.
---
The first girl nodded quickly.
