Chapter 29: The Library Hideout

During the chaotic lunch hour, they deliberately bypassed the loud, overwhelming cafeteria tables where the rest of their high school peers argued loudly over weekend plans and college applications. Instead, they retreated to the quietest, most secluded corner of the school library, tucked safely behind mahogany shelves of outdated encyclopedias and reference books where the stern librarian rarely patrolled. Sitting directly across from each other at a scarred wooden study carrel, they are their turkey sandwiches in comfortable silence, their knees brushing accidentally beneath the table every few minutes.