Chapter 22
By Tuesday morning, the excitement from Homecoming had settled into something quieter. The banners still hung around campus, but students had traded football jerseys for backpacks and coffee cups. Midterm season was creeping closer, and everyone could feel it. Ava stepped into the nursing building carrying a brand-new planner she’d bought with one of her café gift cards instead of spending cash. Losing her savings to the car battery still stung, but she’d decided she wasn’t going to let one setback ruin the rest of her semester. “Morning.” Emily fell into step beside her. “Morning.” “How’s the car?” “It started.” Emily laughed. “That’s the lowest standard I’ve ever heard.” “At this point, I’ll take it.” Jordan joined them just before they reached the classroom. “I’ve got news.”
- Writer
