The morning sun streamed through the MIT café windows, illuminating the steam from coffees and the scattered remains of half-eaten waffles.
The table that usually buzzed with Ethan Blake's energy was strangely silent.
Max, Ruby, Quinn, Ming, and Hailey were gathered. Although the guys seemed focused on their respective part, the worry over Ethan's empty seat hung heavily in the air.
"I can't believe he's missed class for three straight days," said Quinn, nervously stirring her tea. "Today we have Professor Stern's class, and you know how difficult that one is!"
"It's too weird," replied Ming, her boyfriend, scratching his head. "I texted him, I called him. Nothing. His phone is off."
Hailey, Ethan's girlfriend, looked haggard. She hadn't slept well for the past few nights.
"Do you think he's angry at us?" Hailey asked, her voice barely audible. "You know... about that day. About us abandoning him and not going out with him."
