smoke, wrapping around her as she walked past groups of students. Their eyes kept darting to her shoes-they were

y, then looked away. But she managed to get to her class. She ignored the stares, bu

uiet. Elara froze for a second before sitting down, keeping her eyes on her des

. "He dragged you, you didn't want to get in his car, and then today, you show up with ne

he could feel their stares burning her skin, waiting for her to react. She didn't give

ara swallowed, forcing herself to keep breathing slowly and steadily. Damien hadn't even arrived yet. By the time he finally

morn

. But then she understood: he wasn't her friend; why would he talk to her anyway? She hadn't even gotten the chance to thank him, but he had

estroom. She didn't notice the quiet footsteps behind her, didn't feel the trap closing in. Until the do

of the door. Then silence. Her stomach dropped. H

t felt tight. The air felt thin, pushing in on her. Her breathing became shallow, too fast, too uneven. She reached for her pocket, her fingers shaking as she tried to pull out th

rned. She couldn't breathe. Footsteps.

n at her, looking worried. She rushed forward, kneeling beside Elara. "Brea

it against Elara's lips. "Deep breath." Elara inhaled, the medicine rushing into her lungs.

Elara couldn't answer. Couldn't even look at her. Her hands curled into fists against her lap. The j

ese years. What if something bad happened?" The janitor sighed. "No, I can't. It

t, sit f

uch, auntie... thank you," and wit

saw her. School rules were very strict; it didn't matter if you were rich

ecame a distant hum, words she couldn't understand, couldn't focus on. Her body ached, and her lungs still felt tight. But the worst part

eyes down, but then, that perfume, that smell, it was one of a kind, and she knew who it belonged to. Damien. She felt him before she saw him. He walked past he

ll coffee table near it. A TV was on the wall, but she rarely turned it on. Next to it was a simple study desk with some books and a small lamp. Its soft light made the room feel warmer in the evenings. There was a small kitchen

e phone screen before she

o long? You don't love me anymore?"

ke sure to call you earlier tomorrow," she said warmly. Her gr

called me... I'm starving now." Elara frowned for

.. I'll eat now... What about you, have you eate

I've had so

oon, right? Get some rest, okay, honey?

r, but ended up smiling. She felt relieved that she had spoken to her. She called her every day at six in the

ed around her like a comforting hug. The soft hum of conversations, the occasional hiss of the espr

d the counter. She was making milk foam for a cappuccino, her curl

d for their third round of macchiatos; either they're caffeine addicts, or they're staying all night." Elara chuckled and

le you're at it... and if you get the chance, I made some noodles and saved some for you, so make sure you eat them... okay?"