Alissa's POV
Monday morning, the sky hung low, lead-gray and unyielding, with the air thick and humid. A gentle breeze accompanied the endless rain, whispering through the trees as if sharing secrets.
I had arrived at the university early, pacing the empty hallway as I prepared for my lecture. My first lecture without a professor present.
Nervous didn’t begin to cover it. My palms were clammy, my heartbeat erratic. I’d spent the weekend rehearsing, but nothing could shake the gnawing doubt at the back of my mind.
As I entered the classroom, I was greeted by the sight of students sprawled across their desks, fast asleep.
Typical.
I took a deep breath and adjusted my notes, trying to steady my nerves. Just as I was about to step onto the podium, a familiar voice called out from the hal
