reak in the college that

ing the walls of the public school like a promise. Birds returned to their nests and the once frozen grounds hummed with

souls. Coughs also echoed down the hallways. Feverish crie

education was free.Nearly half the girls fell to the illness, thei

nlike others that were locked inside due to their health conditions. She wandered outside each day with Olivia breathing in the sweetness of damp grass, lettin

ood on her handkerchief. Anna tried not to notice. She didn't believe what was slowly unravelling before her. Then, one morning, the school Nurse pulled Anna aside, looking at her with a pity

ng better". The nurse gave a s

s different from healing". Th

nd death drawing near. Olivia lay motionless, her hair spread like silk across her pillow . Her lips were pale, her breaths shallow . But when she saw Anna, a faint smile curled on her lips. "You came," she whispered. Anna sat beside her, tears already stinging her eyes. "Don't talk like it's goodbye". Olivia's hand found hers,thin and trembling." it is, Anna. I've made peace with it". "No. You can't leave me. Not you". Silence fell between them, broken on

me to stop screaming. He sa

me...but then I saw how he looked at you, not until you told me he did the same to you". Tears streamed down Anna's face now. She pul

imp from Anna's grasp. A strangled sound escaped Anna's throat. "No....No... Please Olivia wake up". She pressed her forehead against Olivia's still one,sobbing fervently as waves of grief crashed into her. She cried so hard that her vision blurred, the edges of the room spinning, her fingers clutching at Olivia's night gown as though she could drag her back from wher

o would listen to me all my rants again now that my

steps thundered down the co

ind her trailed Miss Ma

y began, but the words died on

streaking her face, ey

whispered. "She

hand flew

lacing her fingers gently on

eyes with trembling fin

I told her I'd protect her. B

ving toward her. "You need to res

utched the journal tighter. "Bef

ze. "What did

ers brushed the worn cover, and she whispered, "She told me...

pression shift

en's eyes

oice shaking. "And that she was scared. An

mained still

into a tight line. "

es narrow

handle this quietly. The authorities will take care of it.

?" Anna asked, her vo

y froze

t to others. That's why you're afraid of what's inside

'm warni

"I won't let her

r heel and sprin

ady racing down the hallway, the journal pr

's footsteps followed

breath

orner, two tall s

ew was on

was s