Ava and Lily sprinted across campus, their breaths coming in short, panicked gasps. Ava fumbled with her hair as they ran, desperately trying to tame the loose strands that kept escaping from her ponytail.
“I can’t believe we’re late,” Ava muttered, her voice tinged with frustration as she hastily twisted her hair back into place.
“Just a little more!” Lily urged, her eyes fixed on the auditorium ahead.
They skidded to a stop in front of the large double doors, breathless and flushed. Standing there, arms crossed and eyebrows raised, was their professor. Her gaze was sharp and disapproving.
“You’re late,” she said coolly, her tone carrying a weight of disappointment that made Ava’s stomach drop.
“Yes, professor. We would like to apol—“ Ava began, trying to catch her breath and formul
