DEMARCATION

Three

AVA

At lunchtime, still uncertain where to start, I decided to check on the new arrivals. According to Lilly, the receptionist, this was their first experience with the course, limiting the initial group to just ten people. Four had arrived so far, including Joe and two other women, with six more to come. Lilly mentioned that all introductions would take place during lunchtime.

To pass the time, I opted to explore the library. Upon entering, I immensed myself in the extensive array of books. My concentration was broken when Joe, unnoticed, snuck up behind me. His laughter dispelled the tension in the air. As we both shared a love for books, it was no surprise to find him browsing the shelves.

Thirty minutes later, completely absorbed in a book, I sensed a touch on my shoulders. Assuming it was Joe, I initially paid little attention. However, the pressure on my shoulders soon made me realize it was someone else. Turning around, I found myself face to face with a guy sporting a pointed nose and a peculiar smirk. He exuded confidence, seemingly aware of his own attractiveness, which boldened him to approach any girl. His attempts to charm me only heightened the unease I felt in his presence with each passing minute. Attempting to leave, I was stopped by his grip until Joe intervened. Though Joe is taller, the stranger appeared more muscular. Aware of Joe's temper, I tried to calm the situation.

Fortunately, a bell chimed, signaling lunchtime and prompting everyone to gather in the dining room. As we settled at the table, tensions hung in the air. Across from me sat the flirt, accompanied by the woman from earlier, while the rest of the group remained unfamiliar. Joe, visibly agitated from the previous encounter, took the seat beside me. The meal proceeded in utter silence, with each of us consuming our allotted portions. The palpable tension between Joe and the bothersome guy was unmistakable. Feeling powerless to ease the atmosphere or initiate conversation, I hoped someone else would take the lead in introductions before the situation became too awkward. It was evident that Joe was on the edge of losing his patience because of the irksome guy.

Suddenly, a woman entered the dining hall, her footsteps breaking the silence like chiming bells. She introduced herself as Jane, the program director, and instructed us to begin introducing ourselves one by one. I felt grateful for her intervention, as Joe seemed to be gradually calming down.

The group consisted of Sharon and Aaron, a recently married couple; John and Martha, a married couple on the brink of divorce; Wendy, a single mother and part-time worker in her forties; George, a man who tragically lost his entire family in a fire; Amy, the drama queen and a former actress; and Liam, the flirt and a cosmetologist.

Following the introductions, Jane proceeded to elaborate on the details of the course. We were allotted a one-hour break to rest before the course commenced officially.