"Love steadies chaos."
The athletic department meeting lasted forty-five minutes.
Silver emerged feeling drained but not devastated. The athletic director had been surprisingly supportive. Concerned about the media attention but not blaming her for it. They'd offered legal resources. A PR consultant. Protection from further harassment on campus.
It could have been worse. Much worse.
Eli was still waiting in the hallway, exactly where she'd left him. He stood when he saw her, his expression cautious.
"How'd it go?"
"Better than expected. They're not asking me to leave or step down from the skating club." Silver adjusted her bag on her shoulder. "They want to help manage the situation."
"That's good. Really good." He moved closer. "Are you okay?"
"I don't know. Ask me tomorrow when my brain has processed everything."
They walked out of the building together, the late afternoon sun already starting to set. November days were getting shorter. Darkness coming earlier.
