The sun had already disappeared behind the treetops when Fiona and I pushed the bag with the last essentials and the voices from outside called us back to the present. The aroma of food hung in the air, a mixture of pasta, tomato sauce, and the sweet smoke from the fireplace that was still burning somewhere.
"Come on, or we'll only get leftovers," Fiona urged, pulling me by the sleeve. Her eyes sparkled as if she was already more excited than I could ever be.
We joined the others in the line outside the dining hall. Laughter, giggles, occasional "Wow, that smells amazing" – the atmosphere was louder than my heart could handle right now. But just the thought that Fiona stayed beside me made it more bearable.
