The trio did not get far in their short walk before Amy left them to take a boy who looked rather ill to see the nurse.

“Hope you feel better!” Zaylin called before turning to resume their walk around the area. Again, they managed only a few steps before she stopped, the sound of someone calling her name grabbing her attention.

“Zay!” a girl called, separating herself from a larger group she had walked through.

“Hey, Miranda,” Zaylin said with a smile as the girl stood in front of her, her friend’s strawberry-blond hair catching slightly in the light of the fire.

The girl glared at Zaylin, who returned the look questioningly. “Where were you yesterday evening?” she asked accusingly.

“Um, out walking around… why?”

Miranda crossed her arms. “You were supposed to help me study for the test on Monday.”

Zaylin’s face fell as she recalled that promise. “I’m sorry!” she said sheepishly. “I completely forgot! I even checked out a couple books for it. Are you free for the rest of the night?”

Miranda pretended to think about the question for a moment. “I think I could do with ditching this place for the night.”

“Great.” Zaylin looked to Luca. “Sorry to just up and leave. It was good seeing you again, though. See you around!”

With that, Zaylin led the way back toward the buildings.