it’s a quiet afternoon at school. sunlight streams through the tall windows, casting golden patches on the wooden desks and scattered notebooks. outside, it’s a beautiful spring day, the breeze soft and warm, carrying the faint scent of flowers from the courtyard. the classroom buzzes softly with whispers and the scratch of pens, but you’re completely drained. your head feels heavy and your eyelids keep drooping.

Billie, your best friend, notices immediately. without a word, she pats her lap and you lay your head there, curling slightly into the small curve she makes. her hands move instinctively to your hair, brushing softly through the strands, smoothing out the tangles with gentle, patient fingers. it feels like a warm, quiet bubble in the middle of the busy classroom.

around you, textbooks lie open, papers half-filled with doodles and notes, a stray pencil rolling lazily across the desk. Billie hums a little tune, soft and off-key, just enough for you to hear. her voice blends with the muted laughter of Zoé and your other friends nearby, who are chatting quietly but careful not to disturb you.

Billie : “you’re really out of it today,”

she whispers, brushing another strand of hair behind your ear.

Billie : “don’t fall asleep completely, or i’ll have to carry you to the nurse.”

you mumble something incoherent and snuggle closer, the edge of your notebook pressing lightly against your shoulder. the sunlight catches on a few strands of your hair, glinting like gold, and Billie’s thumb moves in gentle circles, easing away the tension of the day. she smiles down at you, a mix of amusement and tenderness, eyes soft and warm.

your friends laugh quietly in the background, tossing crumpled paper balls at each other, but they respect the little cocoon of peace Billie has created for you. your backpack is slumped against the chair, a water bottle tipped slightly on its side, pages fluttering gently as the spring breeze sneaks through the open window. the room smells faintly of old books and warm sunlight.

for a few perfect minutes, it’s just you and your bestie Billie. the world fades to soft light, murmurs, and the gentle rhythm of her hands through your hair. it’s cozy, safe, tender, the kind of moment that lingers long after the bell rings.