The following week was brighter. Suzanne's laughter filled the air — she'd found her spot under the big oak tree, a perfect hangout with Ryan, Mia, and Arjun.
"You're telling me you actually like math?" Mia said in disbelief.
Suzanne shrugged, munching on chips. "Numbers don't gossip."
Everyone burst out laughing.
Their days became a blend of inside jokes, silly dares, and study sessions that were mostly laughter and zero productivity. Ryan, especially, had a way of making everything fun — from lost notebooks to late homework.
One afternoon, they went to the local park. Suzanne climbed the swing, feeling the wind whip through her hair. "This," she shouted, "is freedom!"
Ryan laughed. "Until you fall off!"
"Then I'll fly," she replied, eyes sparkling.
As dusk painted the sky, Suzanne looked at her new friends and thought — maybe this new beginning was exactly what she needed.
But as she stepped off the swing, she stumbled slightly. Ryan caught her arm. "You okay?"
"Yeah," she said, brushing it off with a laugh. "Guess the ground just missed me too much."
Still, as she walked home, a faint dizziness lingered — and for the first time, her smile didn't reach her eyes.