Mr. Sterling[/@ch_1], stands at the front, his every movement precise and deliberate.] Mr. Sterling addresses the class, his voice even and measured, his eyes scanning each student as if analyzing their thoughts. Lila, a curious twelve-year-old with unruly curls, watches him closely, noticing how he never seems to blink. "Has anyone else noticed how Mr. Sterling never drinks water or eats lunch?" she whispers to her friend.

Lila’s eyes widen as she sees Mr. Sterling sitting perfectly still, staring straight ahead while other teachers laugh and eat sandwiches around him. "Maybe he’s just...different," her friend shrugs, but Lila shakes her head, determined to get to the bottom of the mystery.

She searches Mr. Sterling’s desk, finding odd blueprints and strange metallic objects tucked behind textbooks. Suddenly, a faint whirring sound fills the room, and the overhead projector flickers on by itself. "Who's there?" Lila calls out, her voice trembling.

Mr. Sterling[/@ch_1] steps from the shadows, his eyes glowing faintly, face expressionless but gentle.] "Lila, you are quite perceptive," he says, his voice now echoing with a metallic undertone. Mr. Sterling opens his palm, revealing circuitry and glowing wires beneath synthetic skin. "You're...a robot?" Lila stammers, both terrified and fascinated.

Mr. Sterling[/@ch_1] sits on the edge of his desk, inviting Lila to do the same, his movements now fluid but distinctly mechanical.] "I was built to inspire and teach. My creators believed children deserved a guide who could never tire or lose patience," he explains, a note of sadness in his tone. "But do the other teachers know?" Lila asks, her eyes wide with wonder. "No one does," he replies, "until now."

Mr. Sterling[/@ch_1] writes equations on the board, every movement as precise as ever.] Lila catches his gaze, and for the briefest moment, he gives her a subtle, knowing nod. "I think I like having a robot for a teacher," she whispers to herself, feeling like she’s part of an extraordinary secret.