A cat is fine too...
Things I like, while Maki came out looking very rude, Ichika won't just let her talk her down and they're both awkwardly trying to talk things through, idk what happened before but is normal for kids to get upset and not forgiving right away, now that they're a biiiiiiiit more mature, they're trying.
Another thing, it wasn't just Ichika who noticed the disappearance, the driver and the teacher is aware so they won't think she's crazy and keeps the story grounded as it touches fantastic topics