So This is Love
She snapped her head away, heels striking sharp as she fled, her two shadows stumbling after her.
For a heartbeat the hallway stayed heavy, everyone holding their breath. Then the whispers broke loose, low and quick, racing from mouth to mouth like dry grass catching flame.
Mary crouched down, gathering Norah’s fallen books. “You okay?” she asked, softer now.
Norah bent too, her hands still shaking as she picked up a notebook. “Yeah,” she whispered.
“You don’t have to thank me,” Mary said firmly when Norah tried. “People like her feed on fear. Don’t give her what she wants.”