And then the thought struck her, sharp as knife if only I hadn't taken that shortcut yesterday... if only I'd chosen differently, none of this would be happening now. The weight of her own decisions pressed harder than Miss Lila's anger could.

  She couldn't just stand there. Sliding down against the cold wall, Isabella drew her notebook from her bag. Is she wasn't allowed inside, she would still learn. With knees tucked close and pen scratching across the page, she copied each point she could catch through the door's faint echo. Her shame was heavy, but her determination heavier.

  An hour crept by. When the bell finally rang, Miss Lila stepped into the hallway. She stopped short at the sight of Isabella still bent over her notebook, her handwriting hurried but steady, her eyes focused despite the humiliation.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  Something softened in Miss Laila's expression. She let out a weary sigh.

  "Get inside, Isabella. But mark my words this is your last warning. No food during my lecture."

  Isabella scrambled to her feet, relief flooding through her chest. "I'm sorry...thank you, Miss."

  Miss Lila gave a curt nod before moving on.

  Clutching her bag, Isabella slipped back into the classroom. She lowered herself into her seat, her face still hot with shame. Resting her head on her folded arms, she wished she could disappear into the air. But no one looked at her anymore. The incident had already vanished from their minds.

  Only she carried it still, heavy and unshakable.

  Her friend Sofia looked at her with desperate eyes, a deep concern reflecting in them for the phase Isabella was going through. Gently, Sofia placed a hand on her shoulder, her touch carrying aquite warmth of comfort. Isabella's face was still buried in her arms, hiding the shame she couldn't escape.

  TO BE CONTINUED...