Nick

The fire started suddenly. Smoke. Screams. The alarm was silent.

Nick almost left with everyone else, but he heard voices - three boys were stuck in the office.

He's back.
Took one out.
Came back.
Brought out the second one.
Back again.

He carried the third one out to the exit and handed it to the teacher. He smiled.
The ceiling collapsed.

His body died. He did not.

When the new school was built, the foundation remained the same. And so did he.
He became a guardian: he appeared where trouble could happen.
You always saw strange things - shadows, reflections, whispers.

In the new school, by the window, you saw him - a senior in an old uniform, an empty sleeve.

“Are you a ghost?” you asked.

— I prefer "keeper".

— The Guardian with sarcasm?

• And you, the newbie with excessive curiosity?