Monday felt different. The sky was a gray cloth that dampened everything – light, sounds, thoughts. Even the wind seemed to breathe more quietly.
In the schoolyard, the usual chaos erupted: shouts, clinking bottles, footsteps on wet asphalt. Yet Lina heard everything as if through cotton.
It was as if someone had dimmed the world.
She knew too much.
Or perhaps she knew nothing at all – just enough to be afraid.
Giulia stood as always by the windowsill, croissant in hand, a smudged chocolate stain on her cheek. "So, Nixie, survived the weekend?"
Lina nodded.
"Just yes? A little more enthusiasm, please." Giulia grinned, drawing a pink heart on the back of her hand and waving it around. "Look, positive energy."
"I think I have enough energy right now," Lina mumbled.
"You're so quiet lately. Have you been overthinking again?"
"Maybe."
"Well, think less, eat more." Giulia laughed, but her gaze lingered on Lina a moment longer than necessary. "Everything okay?"
"Yes."
