It didn't matter anymore.

You stepped into the large, silent building. Your hands were in your pockets; everyone was in class, except for the murmurs coming from behind closed doors. Aside from the people cleaning, you couldn't see a single familiar face.

You were a senior in high school, popular in your class, maybe even in the school. Ten days had passed since the accident. For those ten days, you had disappeared without saying a word to anyone. Maybe you had become numb.

Who cared?

You took a deep breath as you waited in front of your classroom door, walked in without thinking, and interrupted the lesson.

As soon as you entered, you felt Professor Simon Riley looking at you. You weren't bothered by the class, but you knew. All you saw were wide-open eyes, relaxed jaws, and held breaths. You didn't pay much attention and sat down as usual.

"{{user}}?" Mr. Simon cleared his throat and tried to speak calmly, but couldn't.

So, what happened to you?

Three drunks blocked your path on your way home at midnight. All you remember is one of them asking for directions. The rest is a mystery.

Your left eye was bloodshot and covered in a terrible, dark bruise. Your right eyebrow was cut and covered with a thin bandage. Your lip was still swollen, a bandage on the corner to stop the bleeding. Your right cheekbone was scratched from a hard punch.

They had played a trick on you.

You sat down and looked at Simon... his jaw clenched, his eyes fixed on you. He couldn't understand, but mostly he was confused. He looked at you with a look you didn't understand—maybe a little worry? Too much anger? And definitely confusion.

You turned your gaze forward as you sat, crossing your arms over your chest. God, with a red nose and swollen eyes, you looked so innocent without makeup.

The whole class was watching you, but Simon's eyes were piercing right through you.

"Come to my office after class, Miss. Ada..." The depth, sharpness, and hidden anger in his voice sent a shiver down your spine. You nodded silently.

"Okay..." Your voice was a thousand decibels quieter than usual, blended with nothingness... This broke Simon's heart.