There was a brief silence on the other end, followed by another sigh, deeper this time, carrying an unspoken warning.
"I won't stop you," Principal Troy finally said. "But I hope you understand the risks you're taking."
'I understand them better than you think,' Lana thought, though she didn't voice it.
"Do as you please," he added after a pause, resignation evident in his tone. The call ended shortly after.
Lana slipped the phone back into her pocket, the fabric brushing against her fingers, and walked inside.
The moment she crossed the threshold, whispers brushed against her ears like cold drafts.
"Jimmy and the others were truly stupid…"
"Why did they even told the truth…"
"Our last hope is gone…"
Someone scoffed softly.
"That woman is heartless. How can she just leave like this?"
Others said nothing, their silence heavier than the gossip. But the instant Lana's footsteps echoed across the floor and everyone noticed her presence, the murmurs died abruptly.
