I waited in school longer than I should have. The library had become my hiding place during the last period, and I must have dozed off while pretending to read. When I woke up, the wall clock in the dim corner showed it was past 9 PM. Panic surged through me. The school was almost empty, the hallways dark and silent.

“Oh God,” I whispered, grabbing my bag and rushing out.

It was raining heavily outside. The downpour was relentless, soaking me instantly as I stepped into the night. I had no choice but to walk home. My uniform clung to my body, my shoes squelching with every step. The...