The next morning, the air in the classroom felt heavier.
Lilly could feel it as soon as she walked in — the way heads turned, how whispers started and stopped when she passed by.
She kept her eyes down and slid into her seat. But her hands were cold.
Something was happening.
---
It didn't take long to find out.
During lunch, while she sat alone under the tree at the far end of the yard
It was during the lunch break when someone tapped her shoulder.
Lilly turned, surprised.
It was Samy to her friends — a studious girl who usually sat in the corner row, always blending in.
"Can I talk to you?" Samy whispered, her eyes darting toward Aisha's corner.
Lilly blinked. "Uh… sure."
Samy tugged her gently out of the classroom, down the empty hall.
"What's going on?" Lilly asked once they stopped.
Samy bit her lip.
"Look," she began, keeping her voice low. "I don't really… take sides. I don't even know you that well. But…"
She glanced back toward the door, then leaned closer.