The school had never been this loud. Students filled the hallways, voices overlapping, excitement buzzing in the air like electricity. Banners hung across walls, teachers moved around trying to maintain order, and everywhere you turned, there was one thing people kept talking about The competition. It was the biggest interschool event of the semester. Basketball. Debate. Academic contests. Everything happening at once. Bethany adjusted her uniform nervously, flipping through her notes for what felt like the hundredth time. “I’m going to forget everything,” she muttered. “You say that every time,” Ava replied, leaning against the desk. “And every time I remember everything,” Sarah added calmly. Bethany looked at her. “That’s because you’re Sarah.” Ava laughed. “Exactly. She’s

