The Secret Equation

05

As the weeks went on, rumours began to swirl around campus. A colleague had noticed how much time Dani and Alex were spending together, and whispers followed Dani wherever she went. The tension between them grew, and one evening, Alex stormed into Dani’s classroom after hours.“They’re talking about us, Dani,” Alex said, her voice shaking with anger. “People are starting to notice.”“I know,” Dani said, her voice filled with dread. “But we can’t just...”“Can’t what? Can’t be together because of some rules? Because of what people will think?” Alex’s voice was filled with frustration and hurt. “I thought you were willing to fight for this, for us.”Dani looked at her, torn. “I am. But I could lose everything, Alex.”Alex’s face softened, tears welling up in her eyes. “And what about me? What if I lose you?”Dani was silent. She didn’t have an answer. The weight of her choices, the consequences of their love, hung in the air between them.