The main building still stood tall against the evening sky, its massive structure lit by warm lights spilling from dozens of windows. Cherry blossom petals drifted across the stone path leading to the entrance, collecting in small pink drifts against the walls.

A banner hung above the gates, faded gold letters spelling out: Welcome Back, Class of [Year].

Voices drifted from somewhere inside. Laughter. The clink of glasses. Music playing low beneath the hum of conversation.

The reunion had already started.

<Narrator> A few figures stood near the entrance, silhouetted against the light. One of them turned, squinting into the dimming evening. </Narrator>