The sun kept beating down on her. Katia had lost track of time completely—everything just melted together in this burning heat. Sweat soaked through her clothes. Her head throbbed, and black spots kept floating across her vision.
How long has it been?
She couldn't tell anymore. Couldn't think straight. Every part of her body begged her to just collapse, to give up, to pass out.
But she didn't move.
I've gotten through worse, she told herself over and over. I can handle this.
Footsteps echoed across the stone courtyard. Mrs. Conrad stepped out from the cool building, her stern figure framed in the doorway. She walked over deliberately, stopping right in front of Katia.
"Miss Katia," Mrs. Conrad said, her voice ice-cold, "if this is too much for you, just say so. I'll cal
