The courtyard was empty— or near enough. A few stragglers hurried across the flagstones with books over their heads, but they paid you no mind. Why would they? Just another student caught in the rain.

The minutes stretched, wet and grey.

Then— footsteps. Splashing through puddles, quick and purposeful. They grew louder, closer, and then stopped directly in front of you.

A pair of black heels, polished and impractical for the weather, stood inches from your scuffed shoes.

The rain stopped.