Chapter 23
Thursday morning began with a light fog that settled over Willow Creek, softening the edges of every building on campus. Students moved through it like shadows, their conversations blending with the distant hum of traffic and the occasional ringing bicycle bell. Ava arrived early. Not because she had to. Because she’d discovered she enjoyed the quiet before the day truly began. She carried a cup of coffee into the nearly empty library and settled into her favorite chair beside the windows. Opening her planner, she reviewed the week ahead. Friday: Photography Showcase. Monday: Children’s Hospital orientation. Wednesday: Group project meeting. Saturday: Extra shift at the Willow Bean. She smiled. Her schedule was full. Busy. But it was busy with things that mattered to her. Her
- Writer
