Once the treatment was completed, Scarlett announced her decision to return to campus, citing unfinished work on her competition project. Emily’s attempts to dissuade her proved futile, and she could only sigh in defeat as she drove her daughter back to campus.

"If anything comes up, you call me immediately, understood?" Emily said as Scarlett prepared to leave.

"I know," Scarlett replied curtly, shutting the car door and walking toward the school gates. ...