"The strong… are always kind."
As the words left my mouth, Liora's eyes widened. Then, slowly, she looked down at the floor, her lips parting slightly but no words came.
I offered her a faint smile.
Then I stepped behind her wheelchair, gently placing my hands on the handles.
She didn't stop me.
Even though we both knew I wasn't supposed to be the one pushing it, she didn't resist.
As if, somehow… she already understood who I was now.
As we moved through the quiet corridor, the sound of the chant began to grow louder.
Distant at first then rising, like a tide crashing forward.
Voices filled the air.
Laughter.
Victory.
Home.
And then—
I saw them.
As soon as I came into their field of vision, the noise softened.
Then, all at once, the students quieted, voices fading, arms lowering, and Cendric and Silas gently set down from their celebratory perch.
Silence filled the hall.
…Why are they suddenly so quiet?
A thought crossed my mind.
Ah. Right.
