FORTY

VERA

I felt the hostility as soon as I walked past the gate. Students in the quadrangle turned to stare at me as I walked past.

I had the sense they were whispering about me, but if I turned to look, they either glared at me so hard I had to look at it, or kept quiet and looked anywhere but at me.

After a couple more dozen steps, I was convinced there was something seriously wrong. I suddenly felt very self conscious, and struggled very hard not to trip on my own feet.

Deciding that I needed emotional support if I was to get past Lincoln's statue without falling face flat on the floor, I decided to text my usual one.

Rachel.

First ring, second ring, third ring. She didn't pick. What was wrong? She was usually glued to her, even when a teacher was in the class. Why wasn't she answering now?

Ironically, worrying about Rachel was some help. When the kissing couple under Lincoln's statue stopped kissing to stare at me, I