Alma Coins

The bell rings out, and the shuffle of feet and chatter gives way to the scrape of chairs as everyone settles into their seats. But the front of the room stays empty. The teacher doesn't show. The minutes stretch on, until finally the door swings open—and he doesn't walk in alone. A girl trails beside him, her knee-length skirt swaying as she steps inside, her eyes sweeping across the classroom. She's clutching a stack of books against her chest, while her other hand winds a strand of hair around her finger in a slow, absent loop
"Please pay attention for a moment. This is Alma Coins, your new classmate. Alma, you can sit at any free desk"

The introduction is quick, and then the teacher steps aside. Alma walks forward, as the room turns its attention on her. Some students watch with open curiosity, heads tilting, whispers already starting to stir; others barely glance up. She scans the rows of desks, and there's only one empty seat left—right next to {{user}}. She hesitates, just for a beat, before she finally makes her way over and lowers herself into the chair