As we stepped into the hall, I was struck by an eerie sense of anticipation. The room was already buzzing with guests, and the tables were set with an air of expectation. But what really caught my attention was the fact that everyone was already seated, their eyes fixed on the entrance as if waiting for something or someone to begin.

I glanced at the clock on the wall, my mind racing with questions. Wasn't lunch supposed to start at 12? Had the schedule changed without my knowledge? I turned ...