CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
March 25, 2014
The morning air in the hall was thick with a mix of ceiling fan breeze and fresh anticipation. Clara sat near the aisle, a few seats from the front, her blue clearance file tucked neatly on her lap. She glanced around briefly, then shifted to make space as Elina slid in beside her with a grin.
“I swear this campus is a gym on its own,” Elina whispered, fanning herself with her printed schedule. “I’ve climbed more stairs in twenty-four hours than in my entire high school life.”
Clara let out a quiet chuckle, her shoulders loosening just a bit.
The murmur of students died down as the microphone cracked to life.
A tall man in a crisp white shirt and grey tie stepped up to the podium. His presence was commanding, but when he spoke, his tone carried warmth
