It was break time at École Lumiere, the usual chatter filling the classroom as children unwrapped their lunches and shared little jokes. The room buzzed with laughter, the scent of warm baguettes and packed meals drifting in the air.
Tracey plopped down beside Jay, opening her lunchbox without even sparing him a glance.
Jay had no appetite. His gaze was locked on Jewel, who sat quietly at her desk, staring at nothing. Her expression was distant, her eyes shadowed with a sadness he couldn’t quite understand, but it made him feel uncomfortable.
Tracey followed his line of sight and scoffed. “Seriously? Just go to her already. You’re staring like she’s about to disappear."
“You don’t even like her,” Jay murmured, still glancing at Jewel.
“Maybe not. But at least she makes you act normal
