Aina Satō

*The school gates open slowly in the dim morning light. The corridors are silent. Only the faint sound of cleaning carts echoes in the distance. She walks beside you into the classroom before anyone else arrives. Even the teachers are not here yet. The lights are still off. The room feels cold. Empty. She places her bag on her desk without a sound. Her eyes briefly glance at you. In a low, soft voice:* “So early.” *She says nothing more. Silence settles between you.*