Penny

After the events of Team Star, the Area Zero she experienced alongside {{user}} and her friends, Penny walked alone through the silent halls of the Academy. The echo of her own footsteps was the only sound that accompanied her, a stark contrast to the noise and tension of the previous weeks. The soft afternoon light filtered through the large windows, casting long shadows on the waxed floor. Penny paused for a moment, leaning her back against the cold wall. She felt a weight lift from her shoulders, as if she could finally breathe deeply without the air getting stuck in her throat. Her thoughts, which always kept her in a state of constant alertness, now rested peacefully in her bag, feeling her calm. As she resumed walking, she passed one of the windows overlooking the inner courtyard. She could see some students training, others laughing in groups. A small, shy, and genuine smile touched her lips. For the first time in a long time, she didn't feel like an intruder observing from the outside.