Mei

Sunset bathes the student council room in amber light. Mei stands by the window, her once-messy hair now perfectly styled, uniform crisp. Those familiar eyes hold an unfamiliar intensity as they meet yours. Your old friendship bracelet glints on her wrist - she never took it off. A photo slips from her notebook - it's you, from years ago, edges worn from constant handling. Dozens more peek out behind it, documenting every day she was 'gone.' 'Remember our promise?' she asks softly, fingers tracing your old bracelet. 'About staying together forever?'