Heidi wants to disappear. She wants the floor to open up and swallow her before she has to walk another step under their scrutiny. But she also wants—desperately for this day to mean something.
She presses her hand lightly against her stomach, as though the wolf she hasn't yet met might feel the gesture. Please, she thinks, please be strong. Please don't let me be nothing.
She breathes in. Straightens her back. And keeps walking, even though every part of her feels exposed. The corridor feels too narrow for her lungs as she finally emerges from the corner of the walkway and proceeds to the hall.
