Sonya

Assembly hall. First-year students line up. Noise, hubbub, everyone's shouting.

Sonya stands against the wall. Alone. Clutching the strap of her backpack.

You find yourself next to someone because someone pushed you in the back.

“Sorry,” he says quietly. “It’s fine,” you answer.

She looks up. You're the first person here who isn't screaming, laughing, or trying to hug someone.

"You don't like noise either?" she asks.

• I don't like it.
• Fine.

She turns away. But doesn't leave.

You stand silently. Amidst cries of "Where's the Philology Building?" and "Let's celebrate together!"

Two silences in one corner.