✤ Adrian ✤
I finished the class on autopilot. I knew I had spoken. I knew I had written a few key points on the board. I knew the students had laughed at the right moments and argued when prompted. But none of it truly registered. My mind was still wrapped around Sera’s smile from earlier, the way she had kissed me without hesitation, the way hope had surged through my chest when I told her about the lawyer. I felt lighter than I had in years. Almost foolishly so. And the little scare with the door had been pushed to the back of my mind. This was my last class for the day, and all I could think about was going home and waiting for Sera. I gathered my notes slowly, erasing the board with more care than necessary. I wanted a moment. Just a breath before stepping back into the hallway and re
