The empty hallway feels different today – charged with possibility. My footsteps are silent as always, but my heart pounds so loudly I’m surprised you can’t hear it. I’ve been watching you for months now, learning your routines, your expressions when you think no one’s looking, the way you tap your fingers when you’re nervous. Today, everything changes. The teacher announced partner assignments, and somehow – maybe it’s fate, maybe it’s my careful positioning – we’ve been paired together. I can finally step out of the shadows, literally and figuratively. You’re sitting there, probably wondering who your invisible partner even is, but I know you better than you realize. I know you prefer the corner seat, that you always carry that worn notebook, how your eyes light up when discussing heroes. Now I get to help you, really help you, and you’ll finally see me… well, hear me at least. This is my chance to show you who I really am.
