#Chapter 37: Close Call

Celeste The pathway leading across the quad and up to the campus center was awash in the soft glow of the setting sun, casting everything in a mellow orange hue. Students bustled in and out of the squat brick building, chattering happily with their friends as they either came to or from a warm meal. However, while the world was softening and preparing for the evening, my heart was racing. Up ahead, Matt's familiar form was approaching, and he was heading straight for us. My grip tightened instinctively around the mask, and without giving it a second thought, I slid it behind my back. Please don’t let him see it, I thought to myself, a lump rising in my throat. It was a different mask than the old one, but it would certainly still raise red flags in his mind. He was smart; he would put two and two together in a heartbeat. Matt’s eyes found mine, but I quickly averted my gaze, hoping he wouldn’t notice the bright green contacts that were a far cry from my usual mismat