But even as she hated herself for her dark thoughts, part of Lila kept imagining how it would feel to have Elio's arm intertwined with hers, sharing those casual smiles, those moments of stolen intimacy in empty hallways.
And she hated herself even more for it.
"LILA!" Aria's shout resonated through the hallway like a gale. "YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS!"
Lila barely had time to dry the moisture from her eyes before Aria and Valeria appeared running around the corner, practically skidding to a stop in front of her.
"You too!" exclaimed Valeria, pointing at Elio and Zara. "Everyone has to come!"
"What's happening?" asked Elio, his arm still intertwined with Zara's, making Lila's stomach twist again.
"No questions!" Aria grabbed Lila's hand and pulled. "Just come!"
The race to the planting zone was torture for Lila. In front of her, Elio and Zara ran together, their movements perfectly synchronized. Aria practically dragged her, her usual enthusiasm multiplied by ten.
