The rain had almost swallowed the break bell. As students crowded into the hallway, water dripped from jackets and hair, and shoes squeaked on the linoleum. The smell of damp fabric and shampoo hung in the air.
Lina stayed at the edge as always, clutching her gray jacket tightly. Giulia balanced a cup of cocoa that had more steam than content.
"See," she said, "rain doesn't make you smaller. Just wetter."
Lina smiled, but before she could answer, three boys blocked their path—Kevin, Jonas and Amir from the parallel class, their voices too loud, their grins too confident.
"Well, if it isn't the mermaid," Kevin called out. "How does it feel in the aquarium?"
Jonas made swimming motions with his arms. "Blub, blub."
Amir grinned widely, phone already raised.
Lina froze. But Giulia stepped forward, hands on her hips. "Wow. Humor like cafeteria croissants. Hard, dry, and stale."
A few students giggled. Kevin blinked, confused. "And who are you? Her lawyer?"
