EVAN
The university classroom buzzed with students as I navigated the crowd, searching for an available seat. Spotting an empty spot next to Emerson, I decided to join her. Our last conversation felt like a distant memory, her attention often consumed by assignments and her beloved painting. My thoughts swirled, and I unintentionally found myself lost in contemplation, prompting a puzzled gaze from Emerson.
Shaking off my distraction, I turned my focus to the lecture. Although I stole glances at her during the class, she remained immersed in the subject matter. Something seemed amiss, however, as she frequently checked her phone. Her abrupt departure, five minutes before the end of the lecture, left me bewildered. A student like Emerson, with minimal acquaintances, rarely left class early. My curiosity was piqued, but a stern call from the professor diverted my attention.