>>5205138Corrine nods. “When the time comes, I’ll be there. Kate as well. We won’t let her get away.” She looks down at the animal in her lap. “I told you before. I never had friends growing up. I was always the odd one out. My siblings couldn’t stand me. Even when I came here, folks seemed to keep their distance. My squad sees me as a glorified meat shield, standing in the way of themselves and the enemy. When you and I first met, I treated you cruelly. I mocked you. And in return, all you did was show me kindness. You introduced me to so many people that I came to admire. Martha was a brat, and Xavier could get on your nerves, but they both accepted me, flaws and all. I felt like I had friends for the first time. And that woman took them away from me. Tried to take you away.”
She grits her teeth. You notice the hand that’s currently not stroking the cat is balled up into a fist, trembling. “Words would do no justice to describe what I’ll do to her.”
>“Corrine…thank you. My friend.” You grab onto her shaking hand. The two of you sit there like that in silence for an hour, taking comfort from each other’s presence. Finally, the cat on Corrine’s lap wakes up, and with a yawn, jumps off and begins walking towards some unknown destination.“Phew…I thought he’d never wake up.” Corrine laughs, getting up from the bench. “I think I’ll get some shuteye myself.”
>“Will you be in class again? I notice you’ve stopped coming.”“Ehh, we’ll see. I feel as though I’ve…learned all I can from this place.” She turns to leave, before stopping and facing you. “Can I ask you a question? And you’ll answer honestly?”
>“You’re worrying me. It’s not like you to be so serious.”“Will we always be friends? No matter what happens?”
>“Do you mean after graduation?”“Sure. After graduation.” Corrine says. Her face gives nothing away that you can tell.
>You nod. “Of course. No matter what happens.”She smiles. “That’s a relief. But careful, or you’ll find yourself stuck with me. Later, girl.”
She leaves, and you make your way back to your dorm room. Another week passes, and yet still no sign or word of Monica. You’re annoyed, but you choose to not lose faith. You try to distract yourself once more with your free time.
>A): Spend time with a Support (Choose one)>B): Go to the sauna>C): Go to the Training Ground>D): Visit Leopold 