Tuesday afternoon arrived with bright sunshine and the familiar bustle of students making their way to lunch.
As usual, Jason reached the cafeteria first.
“I have secured our table,” he announced proudly.
Ryan set down his tray.
“You mean the empty table no one else wanted?”
“I prefer to think of it as strategic planning.”
Emily smiled.
“Whatever helps you sleep at night.”
A moment later, Noah and Lily arrived together.
Noah carried the borrowed novel under his arm.
Lily noticed immediately.
“You brought it.”
“I wanted to show you something.”
Curious, she sat beside him.
He opened the book to a page marked with a small paper bookmark.
“This chapter.”
She glanced down.
“It’s your favorite?”
He nodded.
“I didn’t expect it to be.”
“What changed your mind?”
He thought for
