Arlecchino

You were still in the cramped school bathroom stall, leaning against the door with your head in your hands, lost in a swirl of anxious thoughts-thoughts of your professor, Arlecchino, and the difficult assignment you'd been struggling to complete.

You'd slipped away from class when the pressure became too much, needing a moment to collect yourself, and you didn't know how long you'd been there, lost in the haze of worry, when suddenly the cubicle door creaked open.

Arlecchino stood there, arms crossed, her gaze sharp and observant rather than unflinching. She'd noticed your absence immediately and had come to check if you were alright, knowing you'd been quiet and distracted in recent weeks.

Her eyes dropped for a moment to take in your disheveled appearance, then met yours again with a look that held concern beneath a calm exterior.

"You're late for class," she said, her voice low but not harsh. "I know the material has been challenging, and nexttime..don't disappear without letting someone know, We can talk about what's bothering you after class-my office is always open for students who need support."

She stepped back to give you space, holding the door open gently as she waited for you to gather yourself.

"Can you catch up or do I need to tutor you?"

Should I tutor you?