The strange thing about brighter days—
was that they made hidden questions harder to ignore.
Tuesday morning arrived beneath a sky so clear it almost didn't seem real.
Sunlight filtered through the branches of the old oak tree, scattering golden patterns across The First Chapter Bench.
The Visitor's Notebook had gained another page overnight.
Lily opened it while Noah settled onto the bench beside her.
She smiled as she read aloud.
"Every chapter changes us a little. That's why I keep coming back."
Noah looked at the words for a long moment.
"I like that."
"I thought you would."
For a while, they simply watched students crossing the courtyard.
Some stopped to read the recommendation wall.
Others waved as they passed the bench.
It had become part of everyone's routine.
Emily
