CHAPTER 46

“We can't leave this place, right?" Maxine asked, her voice lower than she would have wanted, standing by the small window of their shared room. Night time was endless outside, weighted with shadows and memories clung to her skin like a second layer of skin. She turned around to watch Alph pack his things.

“We cannot. It is in the rules." Alph's voice was firm as his hand came up to store his luggage in the compartment above. His movements were short and quick, each one showing the discipline and control he had learned over the years.

Maxine looked for a minute longer before speaking again. "I wanna see Sarah… I haven't talked to her.".

Alph pauses, his hand hovering over his bag as the mention of Sarah stirs a memory. He lowers his hand, slowly, his expression softening in that way Maxine seldom sees. Reaching inside his pocket, he pulls out his wallet and draws out a folded piece of paper. He hands it over.

"Sorry, it's a bit creased. After graduation, she said to give this to you."