Without waiting for the clinic staff to return, Esther decided to treat herself. Using the little knowledge she had about first aid, she cleaned her face, scrubbing away the traces of blood and tears that made her reflection look so pale and pitiful. When she finally looked somewhat presentable, she let out a shaky sigh and hurried toward the lockers to grab her accounting textbook.
Ms. Anna, her accounting lecturer, was known for her strictness and her merciless intolerance for tardiness. Esther could already imagine the woman’s sharp eyes narrowing at her the moment she stepped into the classroom late.
At least she had this handkerchief, she thought bitterly. A bloodstained one, but still proof of her excuse if she was questioned.
But the moment she opened her locker, her heart stoppe
