Alina felt an unexpected warmth bloom in her chest. It was such a simple thing, but it had been so long since someone had truly listened to her. In her past, even when she'd had friends, she'd been the one to lend her ear, to nod and encourage, to remember their smallest details. But when it came to her turn, people often lost interest halfway through, their eyes darting away, their minds elsewhere. They'd get bored.
She felt something she hadn't realized she'd been missing—someone who wanted to hear her. And it made her words feel lighter, warmer, as though they mattered.
After lunch, Gabriel left a little earlier for his class, while Alina strolled into the staffroom, humming softly to herself. She was about to pour herself some water when she noticed Professor Hobb sitting in the corner, his brows furrowed so tightly it looked like they might permanently stick that way.
"Sir, are you okay?" Alina asked gently, deciding it was better to check than ignore his stormy expression.
