XANIYAH turned and truly, it was Ayel. Smiling sheepishly. She frowned.

“All hail Political Scientist, look at the time you are coming to school?” she teased, folding her arms.

“Oh, please,” Ayel waved her off, his grin widening. “I saw when you walked in. I have just been with some friends over there.” He pointed toward a corner where a few boys leaned lazily against the wall, their laughter carrying faintly across.

They hugged briefly, the warmth familiar but still slightly ...