Nodus Tollens

Chapter One: Serendipity

The high school corridors were a symphony of emptiness, with only distant footsteps and the subdued hum of students attending classes. Emily, bag slung over her shoulder, raced through the hallway, eyes flickering nervously at her wristwatch. The rebellion against routine ignited within her, and instead of hustling to catch up, she chose to break free.

With a glance over her shoulder, Emily slipped into an empty classroom, gently closing the door behind her. Soft morning light bathed the room, its stillness a refreshing departure from the chaos outside.

As Emily explored, her attention was captivated by a figure slouched in a chair by the windows, basking in the sunlight filtering through the curtains. Dark hair obscured his face, and the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest suggested a blissful slumber. It was eight in the morning, yet time seemed to have forgotten him.

Curiosity overcoming her initial desire for solitude, Emily approached the sleeping figure cautiously. A collision with a chair produced an unintentional thud, rousing the guy. He yawned, stretching lazily, his eyes fixing on Emily.

“Oh, sorry,” she mumbled, cheeks reddening. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

Recognition flashed in his eyes as he yawned, rubbing the sleep away. “Hey, you’re Emily, right? From last year?”

Familiarity enveloped Emily as she nodded. “Yeah, that’s me. You’re… Elias, right?”

Elias stood up, scratching the back of his head. “That’s right. I was wondering if I’d ever see you again. What are you doing in this empty classroom?”

Emily hesitated, then spilled about her decision to break away from the routine. “Just needed a break, you know? It gets too much sometimes.”

Grinning, Elias said, “I feel you. Mind if I join the rebellion?” Emily shook her head, and he pulled out a pair of earphones, offering one to her. Intrigued, she accepted it, placing it in her ear. Elias mirrored her actions, and as the music started playing, a smile played on his lips.

“Ever danced in an empty classroom before?” he asked, mischief in his eyes.

Laughing, Emily felt a surge of spontaneity. “Can’t say I have.”

Without hesitation, Elias took her hand, placing his other on her waist. They swayed to the music in the soft morning light, their laughter blending with the melodies. In that unexpected moment, surrounded by the quiet embrace of the empty classroom, Emily couldn’t help but feel grateful for the unplanned detour that led her to rediscover a connection from the past.