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Days after the rave: the first day of school at Rocky Barrens. Diana took a long drag from her cigarette and exhaled, closing her eyes. In that tiny moment, she felt it: deep contentment. Happiness. If it was a thing, she’d have described it as a clean, cool linen, a sheet pulled tight. She opened her eyes and looked. The lake, through the window where she stood, was calm, sparkling, and she knew it would be a crisp autumn temperature if she were to reach her hand in off the dock as she had so many times. Today, when they took the canoe across to campus for their first day of classes, they’d have to dress warmly, the air coming off the lake would be revitalizing and fresh. The maples were dazzling oranges and yellows, blazing between the pines. It was the best time of year. She looked b
