The cafeteria smelled like fries, pizza, and whatever mystery sauce they served on spaghetti days. Daisy carried her tray carefully, her eyes darting between tables. The room was packed. Groups already formed tight circles, laughing and eating like they’d known each other for years.

She spotted a seat by the window, empty, and quiet. Without thinking, she walked over and sat down.

The chair was comfortable, the view outside calm. She placed her tray down and took a bite of her sandwich. For a second, she let herself breathe.

Zara spotted her from across the room. Her eyes widened.

She weaved through tables quickly, nearly tripping over someone’s backpack.

“Daisy,”...