Penelope's POV
"Penelope… are you alright? Your grades have been falling since last semester, and… what are these bruises on your face?" Professor Delphine's voice carried a careful concern, her eyes narrowing slightly as they traced the marks that refused to hide beneath my skin.
"I… I fell down the stairs, Madam… and as for the grades… I… I am sorry." I lowered my gaze, unable to meet her eyes for more than a fleeting second.
After that day, everything in my life turned upside down in ways I could neither control nor escape.
Everything slipped through my fingers, leaving me with barely a moment to study, barely a breath to think, and as for the reason… I could not bring myself to say it aloud.
"Is that so?... Very well then, you may leave for now, and if you wish, take a week to rest," Professor Delphine replied.
The faint pause between her words carried doubt.
I bowed my head quietly and stepped out of her office.
