The library was quiet. I turned the page of my biology textbook. My pencil hovered above the notebook, but I’d stopped taking notes three pages ago. I glanced at the empty chair across from me, like it had been for the past hour.

Lucia had said they couldn’t make it. Something about an “inconvenience.” She’d smiled too brightly when she said it. Of course... It wasn’t like I needed them here. I’m fine on my own. Always have been.