The words landed heavy.
I’d heard variations of that story before.
Girls forced into roles they never chose.
Dreams traded for obedience.
She hesitated, then added, almost like it hurt to say it out loud—
“I hate it here.”
A breath trembled out of her.
“Every day feels like... drowning slowly.”
There was something honest in the way she said it.
Before I could respond, a sharp metallic sound sliced across the air.
The break siren.
Loud. Mechanical.
It echoed through the entire field, signaling the end of the 11:00 to 12:00 free period.
Time was up.
I hadn’t even realized how long we’d been standing there.
Talking.
Bianca’s hand twitched in mine.
Then slowly—she pulled it away.
“I have to go,” she said quickly. “My next lecture—”
Her voice faltered. But she forced it steady.
“I don’t want to be late.”
“Okay,” I said softly.
But I didn’t let her go immediately.
Instead, I met her eyes.
Held them.
Firm.
“If you need anything—anything at all—come find me in the Crimson Chamber hall.”
A pause.
“I’m usually by the pillars.”
I hesitated, then added— “Or just ask around. People know who I am.”
