feeling of uneasiness. Where had the beds gone? Would they be allowed to sleep in beds tonight? What other bizarre things were going to happen in this strangest of places?
As Muko drew closer to one of the tables – which he could see might equally well have been desks – he noticed that on each of the plates there was a card bearing a symbol. His eye flicked from one card to another and it soon became apparent to him that every symbol was different. He hesitated – what place should he choose? Some of the children glanced at the symbols as if seeking a particular one and then, having apparently found what they sought, sat down confidently. Muko, however, had no idea what he was looking for. He didn't even recognise many of the symbols.
Anxiously scanning the room, Muko noticed that one girl seemed to know exactly where to go. Calmly and collectedly, without looking at anyone else, she slid into her place.
'My, but she's got it together.' Muko couldn't help but admire her while at the same time recognising that she didn't exude any warmth. 'She's as cool as a cucumber,' he thought to himself.
The girl picked up the card on the table in front of her