Shadows in the Hallways

The week starts with Zara reluctantly returning to school after the unsettling discoveries in her father's storage unit. Her mind is elsewhere—filled with questions about her father's life and the mystery of the bracelet. But school has a way of demanding attention, even when you'd rather be anywhere else.

As Zara walks through the crowded hallways, whispers seem to follow her. She's still "the new girl," and her accent and unfamiliar mannerisms make her stand out. But today, the whispers feel different—more targeted, almost suspicious. It doesn't help that her locker is plastered with colorful Post-it notes from Mia, reminding her of their upcoming investigation after school.

In history class, Zara finds herself partnered with Ethan—a quiet, sharp-eyed student who's known for his knack for solving puzzles in escape room-style competitions. While they work on a group project about ancient artifacts, Ethan casually mentions seeing Zara and Mia at the library over the weekend. His tone is light, but his curiosity feels heavy.

"You're really into history, huh?" Ethan asks, his eyes flicking to her bracelet. Zara stiffens and tugs her sleeve down, muttering something noncommittal. But his interest lingers, and Zara can't shake the feeling that Ethan knows more than he's letting on.

Later, during lunch, Mia catches Zara staring off into space, her tray untouched. "Zara, you're spiraling," Mia says, snapping her fingers. "Focus. We need a game plan for after school."

But before Zara can respond, Samantha—the self-proclaimed queen bee of the school—saunters over with her posse. "Well, well, if it isn't Nancy Drew and her sidekick," Samantha sneers, her gaze locking on the bracelet. "That's a cute little antique you've got there. Where'd you steal it from?"

The cafeteria falls silent. Zara's cheeks burn, and for a moment, she considers snapping back. But instead, she calmly stands, grabs her tray, and walks away. Mia follows, muttering about Samantha's need for attention.

As the school day drags on, Zara can't shake the sense of being watched. During a quiet moment in the library, she catches sight of someone ducking behind a bookshelf—a shadow too quick to identify. By the time she turns the corner, the person is gone, but a piece of paper flutters to the floor.

The note reads: "Some secrets are better left buried."

Zara's hands tremble as she stares at the cryptic message. Who left it? What do they know?

By the end of the day, Zara and Mia are racing to the storage unit, determined to uncover more about the artifacts. But Zara can't stop replaying the events of the day: Ethan's probing questions, Samantha's pointed remarks, the unsettling note in the library.

Something—or someone—is closing in, and Zara is starting to realize that the answers she's seeking might come at a cost.