We left the gardens. Took the long way around campus instead of cutting through the dining hall. The paths stayed mostly empty. Most students were at lunch or in their rooms processing ranks and making plans.
Naomi kept my hand the entire walk. Her palm warm against mine. Her thumb rubbing circles over my knuckles in a rhythm she probably didn't realize she was doing.
We passed the Arena. Saw Garrett through the windows putting some third year through hell on the bench press. The poor bastard looked like he was being crucified.
"That'll be us next week," Naomi said.
"Looking forward to it."
"You're lying."
"Completely."
She laughed again. I was getting better at making her laugh. That was something. Small progress but progress counted.
The medical center sat between the rec center and the library. Glass doors. Clean white interior. Smelled like antiseptic and healing potions.
