Free Again

University, Girls' Dorm:-

Sera sat cross-legged on her bed, sunlight spilling through the open window and warming the pages of her textbook. 

It was Saturday, and the dorm was a ghost town—her roommates off on dates or slinging coffee at the campus shop. 

The quiet was a rare treat, and she sank into it, her pencil scratching steadily as she tackled her homework, the world outside fading to a soft hum.

Sera didn't need cash—her family had plenty—and her body ached from the waist down, a dull throb that kept her glued to the dorm all day. 

She sprawled across her bed, textbooks scattered around her like a fortress, her pencil scratching away at equations.

The soreness was a nagging reminder of Alex, and she shifted uncomfortably, trying to focus.

Knock, knock, knock! A sharp rap jolted her from her thoughts.