William's POV
The next morning, the air felt a little lighter. Sunlight came through my window and made the room feel warmer and softer. I stood in front of the mirror for a long time, taking slow breaths. My body still felt strange and sensitive from everything that had happened, but I wanted to feel normal today. I chose a soft, oversized sweater in a gentle gray color. It was comfortable and made me feel a little shielded, like a warm hug around my chest. I brushed my hair carefully and looked at myself one last time. "You can do this," I whispered to my reflection. Architecture school was my safe place. There, I could lose myself in straight lines, strong structures, and the clear logic of buildings instead of the messy chaos happening inside my own body.
When I reached the lecture hall, my friends were already sitting at our usual table near the back. Martha, Dorothy, and James had papers and rolls of blueprints spread out everywhere. Pencils and rulers covered the table.
