(Inside the Lab)
Desks.
Whiteboards.
Equipment.
A few early students.
Nothing had changed.
Except us.
Except everything.
Lara wasn't here yet — thank God.
Anthony stood near a table, reviewing his notes. He lifted his gaze when he saw us.
There was no shock.
No curiosity.
Just a steady, grounding nod.
"Morning," he said.
"Morning," I replied, relieved by his calm.
Steven gave him a small nod back — an unspoken exchange passing between them. A fragile kind of truce.
Jasmine wasn't here either. Probably with Lara.
I took my seat. Steven took his beside me. Not too close, but not leaving space either.
The room slowly filled.
Whispers bubbled. Someone tried to pretend not to stare. Another nudged their friend.
I breathed slowly, staring at the grain of the table.
Just get through today.
Just survive until noon.
Just—
The door opened.
--
(Lara Arrives)
The room went silent.
Not loud silent.
Quiet silent — like the air held its breath.
Lara stepped inside.
