Room: 602
Duration: 1 Night
Payment: Credit Card
Notes: No special requests
Nathaniel Cross
Room: 410
Duration: 1 Night
Payment: Credit Card
Notes: Check-in under another name
Phoebe Hastings
Room: 302
Duration: 1 Night
Payment: Cash
Notes: Late check-in requested
Chapter Thirteen
November 11th, 2022
Hawthorne University, Mills Creek, Massachusetts
The echoes of Lilia’s footsteps bounced off the walls of the university’s ancient corridor, her mind drifting as she walked. The days had blurred together since that night at the hotel, each one a fog of sleepless nights and endless questions. The final exam that she had just completed barely registered; her thoughts were elsewhere, consumed by the lingering shadows of the secrets she and her friends were still unraveling.
She was almost at the exit when a voice called out, pulling her back to the present. “Ms. Chen, a moment?”
She turned, seeing Professor Jameson standing just outside his office, the door ajar. He offered her a small, warm smile, his usual calm demeanor in place.
Lilia adjusted her books in her arms and approached him. “Is everything okay?”
“Everything’s fine,” he reassured her, gesturing toward his office. “I just wanted to have a quick word about your final paper.”
Her heart skipped a beat. She knew the paper hadn’t been her best work—her mind had been too preoccupied with everything else. Still, she had hoped that it wouldn’t be noticeable.
“Sure,” she replied, following him inside.
The office was small and cluttered, filled with stacks of books, old papers, and the lingering scent of aged leather. Jameson closed the door gently and leaned against his desk, folding his arms.
“Your paper was . . . well, wonderful, as usual,” he began, his eyes scanning her face. “But I noticed a decline in its depth and engagement compared to your previous ones.”
Lilia shifted uncomfortably, feeling the weight of his gaze. “I know. It’s just . . . with everything going on, I had a really hard time choosing a topic. I don’t think it was something that I was passionate about.”
Jameson nodded thoughtfully, his expression softening. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you, Lilia.” He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “I never asked how you were, not really. You have a bright future, but it’s okay to take a break, you know?”
She felt a pang of guilt at his concern, the kind that came from knowing how much she was keeping from him. “Yeah. I don’t see that happening anytime soon, but thank you for the talk, Professor Jay.”
He gave her a knowing look, but didn’t press further. “Just . . . keep it in mind.”
