**Sophia’s POV**
I barely slept after Luca’s message. His words kept circling in my head. *I’ll explain what I can.* It wasn’t everything I wanted, but it was something. By morning, I felt both nervous and hopeful as I got ready for school.
Mum noticed my mood at breakfast. “You seem distracted again.”
“Just thinking about the play,” I said. “And the project.”
She gave me a long look but didn’t push. I left early, taking the busier route like always. The feeling of being watched followed me anyway. I kept glancing behind me, but no one stood out. Maybe I was just getting paranoid.
Riya was at the gate when I arrived, but she looked pale. “I don’t feel great,” she said. “I’ll stay for morning classes, but I might go home after lunch.”
“You should rest,” I told her. “I’ll be careful.”
