“I came here to hear a plan," Emma said, still standing because sitting felt like permission. “Instead, you're measuring me."
“I am measuring the problem," Ivy said. “You."
“I refused him," Emma said. “I chose quiet. And you dragged me here so you can be loud."
“Quiet?" Ivy's laugh cut the air. “You made a spectacle. Twice."
“I said one word," Emma said. “You and Jonathan turned it into theater."
“I'm not pretending," Emma said. “I am small, and I'm allowed to make choices inside my life."
“Allowed by who?" Ivy asked. “Your parents? Your friends? The campus rumor mill?"
“Allowed by me," Emma said. “That's the point."
Ivy walked closer, weighing each step like a coin. “You think choice is a spell," she said. “You think the word no turns men into statues. It doesn't."
“Then fight me
