"Even firecrackers burn out sometimes."
The accidental contact with Eli in the library had left Silver's nerves buzzing like static electricity all the way back to her residential college. She'd pulled her hand away too quickly, mumbled something about needing to leave early, and practically fled Sterling Memorial while Riley called after her about meeting again next week. The walk across campus in the fading January light had done nothing to settle the chaos in her chest.
When she pushed open the heavy door to their Gothic tower room, she expected the usual Americus assault. Sequined chaos, unsolicited commentary on whatever drama had unfolded during the day, maybe a rant about some freshman who'd dared to wear the wrong shoes to dining hall. The familiar noise that made their medieval space feel alive instead of like a museum exhibit.
Instead, she found quiet.
Even firecrackers burn out sometimes.
