FORTY-TWO
The faculty clearance was finally over, and the crowd of students spilled out into the corridor, buzzing with chatter. Elina stretched her arms above her head and groaned dramatically.
“I’m starving,” she said, pressing a hand to her stomach. “If I don’t eat soon, you’ll have to carry me to the cafeteria.”
Clara gave a small smile. “Okay. Lunch sounds good. But I need to stop by the restroom first. I’ll meet you there.”
“Don’t take forever,” Elina teased, already drifting away with a few other students.
Clara turned down the quieter hall leading to the restrooms. Away from the chatter and footsteps, the silence pressed closer. Her reflection in the glass window she passed looked pale.
The voice from her dream whispered.
Clara quickened her steps.
The cafeteria buzzed with
