"Wait up!" Violet called, weaving through the exiting crowd of students as her eyes locked onto the familiar figure moving swiftly ahead.
Mary halted at once, like she'd been expecting to be stopped. She turned slowly, her blonde hair catching the light.
Violet offered a small smile. "Hey. Where've you been?"
"Hello to you too," Mary responded quietly.
Violet was about to press for details, but noticed Mary glancing sideways and her gaze shifted to where Daisy, Ivy, and Lila stood, waiting for her.
Violet gave her roommates a quick look in return, silently telling them she'd catch up soon. Understanding her unspoken signal, the trio slipped away into the thinning crowd.
Now alone, the ballroom was nearly empty, save for a few staff members tidying up the mess left behind by students before shutting the doors.
In that echoing space, Mary let out a wry smile. "I've…been in the hospital."
