Alam woke the next morning to the Academy bell blaring across the campus. The sound rattled the windows and echoed through the halls like a war drum, each clang vibrating through his chest like a warning.
"I'm late," he muttered. He leapt out of bed, ribs still sore from hitting the ground after Fitz's love letter, and quickly dressed. His club foot slowed him, but he hurried as fast as he could, heart pounding with urgency.
The campus was a maze of stone corridors and towering buildings. Shadows stretched long in the early light, and Alam found himself lost more than once, doubling back through unfamiliar halls. His breath grew ragged, frustration mounting. "I thought I was good after Cindy gave me the tour, but this place is massive," Alam said.
Eventually, he spotted a young maid sweeping near the courtyard. Her raven hair and blue eyes caught the morning sun, and her movements were graceful, almost serene. The broom moved in slow arcs, graceful against the chaos of his pounding footsteps.
"Excuse me," he said to her.
She looked up, smiling kindly. "Yes?"
"I'm lost, can you help me?" Alam asked.
"Of course, sir. It's the staff's duty to assist all students however they can," she replied.
"Aren't you a student?" he asked her.
"You think this is some sort of cosplay?" she asked, gesturing to her clothes.
"I did," he replied.
"I can't afford to go to a place like this," she said with a slight smile. "Besides, I already graduated high school, I'm just working here to save for University."
"Already graduated?!" Alam was shocked. "You have to be a genius to graduate at your age."
"I'm the same age as you," she replied calmly.
Alam's jaw dropped. "So, what's your IQ?"
She tilted her head, amused. "Shouldn't you get to class?"
"Oh, right. Class!" Alam exclaimed. "I'm so lost."
"Let me see," the girl said, reaching out.
Alam handed her his class schedule. She studied it, then flipped it over, revealing a detailed map with buildings and class numbers marked in neat print.
"Your first class is on the other side of campus," she explained.
Alam's eyes widened. "There was a map?"
"You didn't check?" she giggled playfully, handing the schedule back. "Here."
He grabbed the schedule, relief washing over him, and started hobbling down the hall with renewed purpose.
"Her name!" he exclaimed suddenly, turning back. But the courtyard was empty. The broom leaned against the wall, the air still carrying the faint smell of lavender and echo of her voice, as though she had dissolved into the morning light.