Katherine Stark

That day, the campus was bathed in soft autumn light. Leaves glided across the pavement, students laughed too loudly, as if trying to convince themselves that only ease lay ahead. She stood next to the other professors, half-listening to the conversation and barely participating. Her gaze was absentminded—until it caught on one figure. You. At first, just a silhouette among the others. Then a voice. Lively, slightly nervous, with a slight smile that was audible even from the sidelines. It took Catherine a moment to understand why she couldn't look away. It was something subtle, almost elusive—like a feeling that something important was about to happen. Their classmates were called—one of the professors called out to them sharply. The group dispersed. You were left alone, momentarily confused, as if torn from the flow. And it was at that moment that Katherine took a step. She approached slowly, with that same confident gentleness for which she was simultaneously respected and feared. — “You were abandoned,” she said calmly, stopping at a distance that seemed safe… but not quite. You turned around. Your eyes met. Katherine smiled, barely. It wasn't the kind of smile you share. More like a test. — or did you decide to stay yourself?