The final bell of the day echoed through the school halls, and students flooded out of classrooms, their conversations and laughter filling the air.
Maya lingered by her locker, her movements slow and deliberate as she placed her books into her bag.
She wanted nothing more than to head home, escape the noise and tension of the day, and be alone with her thoughts.
But as she zipped her bag, she heard a familiar voice behind her.
"Maya!"
She turned to see Lily approaching, a bright smile on her face.
The sight of it stirred a mix of emotions in Maya—guilt, anger, and the faint ache of nostalgia.
"Hey," Maya said, her voice neutral.
Lily adjusted the strap of her bag and tilted her head slightly.
"Are you going home or do you have any plans for later today?" Lily asked,
