It didn’t take Rose long to find them. There were three of them—two girls and a boy—sophomores by uniform badge. She recognized their faces easily now. They had been whispering in the hallway that morning. And one of them—the taller girl with braids—had been especially loud by the lockers, throwing
As the final bell of the period echoed through the hallway, students flooded out of classrooms like a released tide. Rose didn’t linger. She stood,glancing at Kehlani. “Let’s go,” she said. They navigated the crowded corridors with purpose, cutting through clusters of students until they reached
When Rose stepped back into the classroom, the weight of her discovery still clung to her. Kehlani glanced up from her desk, her eyes sharp. “You look like someone who just clawed something out of a grave,” she murmured. Rose slid into her seat with a sigh. “I might have.” Kehlani leaned closer,
The halls were quieter after lunch, the chatter reduced to a low hum as students moved between classes. But Rose wasn’t heading back just yet. She slipped down the side corridor that led to the faculty offices near the gym, her steps quiet but deliberate. She had already checked the schedule and kn
The moment Rose stepped into the senior department, heads turned. She walked with the poise of a queen, her expression composed, her uniform neat. The sunlight from the tall windows caught in her dark hair, giving her an almost cinematic glow. Whispers rippled down the hallway before she even reac
The morning sun filtered softly through the curtains of Rose’s bedroom, painting her sheets in warm gold. She rose with a stretch, letting the early light wash over her before beginning her routine. After dressing in her uniform and pulling her hair into a loose yet tidy ponytail, Rose grabbed her