So you should know that the heart is contained in the pericardial sac, the lecturer said, but I couldn't concentrate on what she was saying. My soul wasn't there—I was thinking about Molly. For some reason, I just found her annoying. I couldn't tolerate her, I thought to myself.
"Aisha." I got nudged by Amelia.
"Yes—did something happen?" I said, jolting back to reality.
"Nothing, it's just the lecturer has left the class. Let's go so we can catch up with the next one. And why did you zone out like that?" she asked.
"Nothing, I was just thinking about something," I shrugged.
"Okay, no problem. Just know that if ever something is bothering you, I am here for you," she said softly.
"I know. Thanks," I replied.
"Come, let's go," she said.
"Okay, I'll be right there." As I stood up to pack my books, I noticed a couple of guys. They looked really weird. They sat next to a girl who seemed scared.
"So, Mia, I told you already—be calm with us. I won't do anything to you, okay? Trust me," one of them said.
"I mean, if people see us now, they'll think we are bullying you," another added.
"I… hmm… sorry, I won't do anything," she said, petrified.
"This won't work. Come on, follow us and don't make a sound," one of the men said. He had green eyes and the body of a bodybuilder, a tattoo on his neck. Not abnormal, but for a medical student at Fiverton, he looked out of place.
"Wh… why can't we say it here? Do I have to follow you?" the girl asked nervously.
"Don't make me repeat it. Meet us at the usual place now if you know what's good for you," one said.
The girl's eyes welled up with tears. It was so obvious she was scared. They were threatening her. The lecture hall was packed, and yet no one stood up for her—it was as if they didn't care. I would have helped, but I don't deal with things like this. It was better for me to mind my business.
I looked away, pretending I didn't see anything. I continued packing my books only to see that they were gone. I could care less. I went for my next class, looking around to see if the girl was back.
As I walked into the next lecture room with Amelia, I kept glancing at the door, half-expecting that girl to show up. But she didn't. My chest tightened. Should I have said something? Done something?
"Aisha, are you okay?" Amelia whispered, noticing the way my eyes darted.
"Yeah… just a little tired," I lied, forcing a smile.
But deep down, I couldn't shake the image of her terrified face or the strange green-eyed man with the tattoo. His words echoed in my head—meet us at the usual place.
I told myself it wasn't my business. I had come here to study, to focus on my dream, not to get tangled in whatever mess that was. Still… a voice inside me whispered: What if she needs help? What if she doesn't come back?
When the lecture finally ended, Amelia tugged my arm. "Come on, let's grab something to eat before the next class."
I nodded, but my steps slowed as we passed the hallway. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Molly leaning against the wall, talking to someone on the phone, smirking like she owned the world.
Annoyance pricked me again, but since she was my roommate, I decided to at least be civil. "Hey, Molly," I said, forcing a small smile.
She turned, her eyes meeting mine briefly—then, without a word, she ended her call, tossed her hair back, and walked away as if I hadn't even spoken.
The sting burned in my chest. My lips pressed into a thin line, but I forced myself to keep walking.
And then, just beyond her, I thought I saw the girl from earlier—her head down, walking quickly toward the back exit. And following her… were the same two men.
My heart skipped.
Should I follow? Should I pretend I didn't see again?