I slipped out of my seat and headed for the door. As I passed Harlow's row, I caught her eye. She gave the tiniest nod, then returned to doodling hearts in the margin of her notebook.
The hallway was empty. Monday morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows, creating patterns on the polished floor.
I could hear the muffled sounds of other classrooms, other teachers droning through their own attendance rituals.
I found Harlow waiting near the water fountains, bouncing slightly on her heels like standing still was physically painful.
Cassidy leaned against the lockers beside her, arms crossed, expression suggesting she'd rather be anywhere else on the planet.
"You came!" Harlow practically launched herself toward me, stopping just short of actual physical contact. "I wasn't sure if you understood the signal! I made it up myself! Two taps means 'meet me outside' and one tap means 'everything is fine' and three taps means 'emergency' and four taps means..."
