Iyisha closed her notes and gave the signal to wrap up. "Read the case studies in the back before tomorrow," she said, her voice carrying over the room. Thirty trainees shuffled in their seats, some already sliding pens into pockets, others flipping books closed with relief.
She stayed at the front, watching them file out in pairs and clusters, their chatter fading down the hall. Once the room was nearly empty, she moved between the rows, collecting stray handouts, straightening stacks of reference books, nudging a chair back into line. The routine steadied her.
When she finally looked up, Mary was there, leaning on the doorframe. Arms crossed, one shoulder pressed against the wood, her expression flat enough that it was hard to read what she was thinking.
"You coming?" Mary asked, the words simple but edged with something more. "Ester needs help."
