Classes dragged by the next day. I watched clocks and counted down hours until I could leave for the Terminal. I checked for my ID card in my pocket time and time again, even when I already knew it was there. After the final bell, I met Kalle briefly in the hallway, telling her I had to go home because I was behind on homework. She nodded and said she felt the same.

I walked the streets of the academic district and moved on into the plaza. From there I veered away from our residential ...