The Death of Lian Core

Chapter 4

“It’s useless,” I muttered to myself, frustration bubbling up. “There’s nothing in my stuff that can help me figure out what the globe is trying to say.” I started pacing from one side of my room to the other, my heart racing and my mind spinning with too many thoughts. It was overwhelming.

Suddenly, I heard someone call my name from a distance. I quickly grabbed Lian’s blue globe and shoved it into my clothes box under my bed, covering it with more clothes to keep it hidden. I took a deep breath and left the quiet room, trying to sound casual as I replied to the caller. I stomped my feet a little harder than necessary, hoping they’d hear me coming.

It was Olissy, waving me over for lunch. We headed to the cafeteria, which was mostly empty since most of the others were still in class—home classes with our guardians or paid teachers. Here, classes weren’t divided by age but by the subjects the girls chose. Olissy, who was a year younger than me, was in my Business class. Honestly, I felt more comfortable hanging out with younger girls since Lian’s death. After that, a lot of people started avoiding me, spreading some ridiculous rumor that I brought bad luck and a short life. I couldn’t stand whoever started that rumor and those who were naive enough to believe it.

“What were you doing in there?” Olissy asked between bites of her tuna sandwich. We had a simple lunch today—tuna sandwiches, some biscuits, and fruit juice. I always went for water, no matter what.

“Oh, you know, just... thinking,” I replied, trying to brush it off. “Did you see the new posters in the hallway? They’re really colorful. I wonder who made them.”

Olissy’s eyes lit up. “Yeah! I saw them! They’re so bright and cheerful. I think they’re trying to promote the upcoming talent show. Are you going to participate?”

I shrugged, not really feeling up to it. “Maybe. I haven’t decided yet. What about you?”

“I’m thinking about it! I might do a dance routine. It could be fun!” She smiled, her enthusiasm infectious.

We finished our lunch and made our way to Business class. Miss Kaya was already at the front of the room, flipping through her notes. She looked up as we entered, her glasses perched on her nose.

“Alright, everyone! Today, we’re starting a new chapter on marketing strategies,” she announced, her voice bright and engaging. “I hope you’re all ready to dive into some creative ideas!”

As she began explaining the concepts, I tried to focus, but my mind kept drifting back to the globe and the secrets it held. I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was somehow connected to everything happening around me, and I needed to figure it out—before it was too late.

I promised Olissy I’d accompany her to get the talent show participant form. After that, she needed to meet with her dance teacher. I knew she was looking for dance buddies—more people meant more fun, she always said. I understood her stage fright all too well.

As we approached the table where the forms were being handed out, I waved my hand dismissively when the form giver tried to pass one to me. “No thanks,” I said, shaking my head. I didn’t think I had any talent to show, except maybe my curiosity about finding out the truth behind Lian’s death.

The dance room was bright and inviting, decorated with colorful 3D flower stickers that made it feel alive. Olissy knocked on the door three times, and a cheerful voice called us in. I held both our bags at knee level, feeling a bit out of place as Olissy rushed toward her dance teacher, asking questions and chatting excitedly.

I chose to distance myself from their conversation, leaning against the wall and watching them interact. Olissy’s face lit up as she spoke, her nervousness fading away in the presence of her teacher. I couldn’t help but smile a little; she had a way of bringing joy to the room, even when I felt heavy with my own thoughts.

As I stood there, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was missing something important. The globe, the secrets, Lian’s death—it all felt intertwined, like threads in a tapestry I was struggling to unravel. I glanced around the dance room, trying to distract myself, but my mind kept drifting back to the mysteries I needed to solve.

“Hey, are you okay?” Olissy’s voice broke through my thoughts. She had finished her conversation and was now looking at me with concern. “You seem a bit out of it.”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” I replied, forcing a smile. “Just thinking about... stuff.”

“Stuff? Like what?” she pressed, tilting her head slightly.

I hesitated, unsure if I should share my worries. “Just... school and everything. You know how it is.”

She nodded, but I could see the curiosity in her eyes. “If you ever want to talk, I’m here. You know that, right?”

“Thanks, Olissy. I appreciate it,” I said, feeling a warmth in my chest. It was nice to have someone who cared, even if I wasn’t ready to open up just yet.

As we left the dance room, I promised myself that I would find a way to uncover the truth about Lian. I couldn’t let fear hold me back any longer. I needed to be brave, not just for myself, but for my best friend’s memory.