By the time the final bell rang, the rush of students poured into the courtyard with the usual mix of laughter, conversations, and hurried footsteps.
Noah adjusted the strap of his backpack and made his way toward the old oak tree.
Just as promised, Lily was already there.
She held up her book with a smile.
“I saved my chapter.”
They settled onto the familiar bench, opening their novels without another word.
For several peaceful minutes, the only sounds were the breeze stirring the branches overhead and the distant bounce of a basketball from the gym.
Eventually, Noah closed his book.
“I reached the part where the main character finally trusts someone enough to share a secret.”
Lily looked thoughtful.
“That’s my favorite scene.”
“Because of the secret?”
She shook her head.
“Be
