Inside, Isabelle stepped on the creaking floorboards and made her way up the spiraling staircase. She held onto the railing, sandpaper sliding on her fingertips. The moonlight shone through the broken windows, giving way to the dust particles in the air. Isabelle covered her mouth with her other hand and coughed into it. Part of her brain wanted to turn back, not wanting to inspect the place. But the other part of her wanted to keep going and see where this led, as it could be a significant discovery.

Eventually, Isabelle reached the top floor and came across a small door. She pressed her ear against it, but couldn’t hear a sound from the other side. Her hands trembled as she slowly reached for the doorknob. Would she like what was inside? Isabelle braced herself and stepped inside.

Once she entered the place, Isabelle found a large room, mostly covered in worn boxes and other unused junk. There lined a table with pieces of paper scribbled on it, and a figure stared at the glass window, watching something through a telescope. Isabelle took quick notice of the person and attempted to leave. She took a step back. The door and floorboards creaked in unison. The shadowy figure turned and jumped out of their seat, nearly stumbling and falling off‌.

“Whoa!” a voice exclaimed. “Who goes there?”

That voice... Isabelle thought, trying to regain her composure after getting startled.

The figure stepped back toward the window and basked themselves into the light.

“Isabelle?”

“Lauren?”

“What are you doing here?”

“Sorry, I was inspecting the area. I didn’t know you were here. I’ll be out of your hair in just—”

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“No, it’s fine; I’m not mad,” Lauren told her, holding her hands up. Wait, why did I say that? Isabelle’s nerves calmed down as she walked over.

“So, what are you up to?” She leaned over and asked.

“I'm just doing my job, I guess.” Lauren shrugged. I'm keeping guard and making sure nobody trespasses on the school property.”

She motioned for Isabelle to have a seat. Isabelle found the nearest chair, pulled it close to them, and took her seat before continuing the conversation.

“Don’t you have any classes?”

“Nope, I’m suspended because of what I did to the school grounds months ago. The principal did this as punishment.”

Isabelle couldn’t believe it. Lauren had to stay in this drab place, all by herself? Where nothing of interest could occur besides collecting dust and fearing you’d fall through the floorboards? That didn’t sound fair at all, at least, not to her. What sort of crime did Lauren do to warrant such a punishment? There were only so many ways one could break the school rules.

“I used dark magic and put everyone’s lives in danger,” Lauren replied.

“Huh? But I didn’t—”

“I could tell; it's written all over your face.”

“Oh...” Isabelle looked away and rubbed the back of her neck. “How much longer until you can go back to attending classes with everyone else?”

“Until the Principal says so, it’s her call, I’m afraid.”

“Is this the only way to make up for your past deeds?”

“Probably not. I doubt I’ll be able to make amends.” Lauren gave her a sad smile. “Honestly, it’s a miracle I didn’t get a worse punishment than this.”

“I’m sure she’d understand; you had your reason for doing it after all.”

“I, I just...” Lauren’s smile faded as she tried to hold back the tears that formed in her eyes.

She knew no matter the reason, it wouldn’t give her any pity points or respect in the long run. It didn’t help her case or lessen her punishment in any way, shape, or form.

Silence embodied the area; neither of them said anything else. Isabelle walked over and hugged her.

At first, Lauren was taken aback, but she eventually gave in and hugged her back, allowing the tears to roll down her face.

The two stayed that way for a while.