Lily had stayed behind in the library to finish the final assignment she’d been putting off all week (finally). The school was quiet, the usual chatter and clanging of lockers replaced with the soft hum of the fluorescent lights above. Outside, the evening sky was fading into a deep purple, and the air was cool, with the approaching autumn.

She slung her backpack over the shoulder and stepped into the hallway, her shoes clicking against the tile floor. The school felt deserted, and the silence, for once, wasn’t unsettling. It was peaceful. But then she saw him.

“Hey,” she said, her voice almost too soft, unsure of why she felt nervous.

The janitor didn’t respond right away. He simply tilted his head slightly, his eyes flickering toward her, almost as if he was assessing her. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he spoke, his voice low and calm, barely above a whisper.

“Place this on that girl’s desk tomorrow, Hyaan Min her name is I suppose” he said, his hand extending toward her. He held out a small pink flower — a periwinkle — its delicate petals not crushed, freshly plucked.

Lily blinked. “Uh... what, why?”