Night's Warmth

Chapter 11 - Top Student

...

I groggily wake up to Gab's loud snoring, with his breath pushing and pulling my hair and ahoge. It looks like he's still deep in his sleep as I easily brush his arms off my back and escape his grasp. I put a blanket over him and check the time on my phone. It's 7 AM.

I sigh and go to the bathroom to take a shower. I change into some clothes and I write a small note saying that I'm heading out to the university and I lay it on the table next to the bed.

I wear my black hoodie and exit my cabin. Unlike most days where the neighborhood is filled with chatter and laughter, everywhere is quiet now due to Nora's murder case. When I make my way to the university campus gate, I notice a large crowd at the entrance. As I walk to the gate, I suddenly get flocked by reporters. It looks like I'm not the only one who's being asked as other students who are trying to enter the university also get bombarded with questions from reporters and journalists.

Eventually, I manage to slip past the crowd and walk to the university building. Entering the building, an intense atmosphere suddenly floods over everyone as many students keep whispering to each other. I walk to my classroom and sit on my chair. I then hear a familiar voice next to me.

"Hey, Alex!"

I turn to see Lucas putting his hand on my desk and smiling at him.

"You sent a message to the GC that you found the killer at the Mars Drugstore a day before Nora got killed. Is that true?"

I nod. "Yeah.. I also reported to the police about it yesterday."

"Dang.."

Lucas then points to a classmate on the front row.

"Just look at Jewel, a literal murder had just happened and everyone's making a big deal over safety while she's worrying over a quiz today."

Jewel is the top student of our class and always focuses on studies no matter what situation would occur anywhere in both Snowfall Town and this university. She's a tall and thin grizzly bear who's also taller than me and she's known to be very grumpy towards anyone except the teachers. This is true considering the only time I talked to her was when I was asking about where the library is and she said the directions in a very mad tone.

"Did ya study for it?"

"Not really. I was busy during the weekends."

"Same."

I turn to Lucas. "Do you think it's possible that the quiz would even be available judging by the situation at hand?"

"Oh you mean the reporters outside? Probably not. Besides, bullying wasn't handled properly here last year from what I've heard and the university's turning into a punching bag for the town's citizens because they think the killer's a bullied victim and Nora's the bully. So in my honest opinion, the university is a mess."

I chuckle. "I.. probably agree with that."

Lucas nods, his expression serious. "Yeah, it's definitely not a great situation. But hopefully, things will settle down soon and we can get back to some sense of normalcy."

Just then, the professor enters the classroom, effectively silencing the murmurs among the students. He looks somber as he addresses the class.

"Good morning, everyone. I'm sure you're all aware of the tragic events that have unfolded in Snowfall Town recently. I understand that tensions are high and emotions are running rampant, but I urge you all to remain focused on your studies and try to maintain a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos."

The professor's words are met with murmurs of agreement from some of the students, while others remain silent, lost in their own thoughts.

"As for today's quiz," the professor continues, "given the circumstances, I've decided to postpone it until further notice. I believe it's important for everyone to have the time and space to process what's happened and prioritize their mental well-being."