chapter 17: Silent walls , louder distance

Monday morning came with the usual buzz of resumption energy—new timetables, fresh chalk dust in the air, and scattered conversations about holiday fun and exam results.

But for Rita, everything felt… off.

She spotted Anne standing by the assembly area, talking and laughing with Muftiat. For a second, Anne's eyes met hers.

Then she looked away.

No smile.

No wave.

Just cold silence.

Rita sighed and looked down. The words Evelyn had spoken during her visit still echoed in her mind:

"She's always been like this. You're just seeing it now."

Even though Evelyn was in a different class, Rita had seen her that morning near the staff room. Evelyn had given her a small, knowing smile and mouthed, "Stay sharp."

Rita didn't reply. She wasn't even sure she liked Evelyn that much. But now? She didn't know who to trust.

---

Back in class, the atmosphere was thick with invisible tension. When Mrs. Olutunushi entered for English, she greeted them warmly and introduced the topic of the day:

"Themes of Friendship and Betrayal."

Of course.

The class chuckled at the coincidence, but Rita and Anne exchanged no glance, no comment.

When it was time to split into groups for discussion, Anne immediately stood and joined Muftiat and two other girls.

Rita sat still for a moment, caught off guard.

She thought Anne would at least look at her.

Say something.

Offer a silent seat beside her like before.

But nothing.

So she formed her own group with two classmates who didn't ask questions.

As they discussed, Rita's mind wandered.

Maybe Evelyn was right. Maybe Anne isn't the friend I thought she was. Maybe… I was just convenient until I wasn't.

---

Later during break, Rita sat under the almond tree behind the hall, picking slowly at her meat pie. Anne passed by with Muftiat, laughing about something. She didn't even glance Rita's way.

That evening, as Rita packed her bag, a note fell from between her books. It was from before the holidays—Anne had written it to her during a boring math class.

It read:

"Let's always stay close. No matter what."

Rita stared at the words, her eyes stinging. She crumpled the note gently, not out of anger—but confusion.

She still wanted to believe in that promise.

But right now, it felt like Anne had already moved on… and Rita was the only one still holding on.