The atmosphere in the cafeteria was tense, a stark contrast to the usual warmth and chatter. The remaining members of the group sat around the table, their plates full but their appetites absent. Kate glanced around, frustration evident in her expression as she pushed her plate away.
"Enough!" she exclaimed, slamming her hands onto the table. "I can't eat like this, not without Catherine and Maryam."
Her voice cut through the quiet murmurs, drawing the attention of the others. "How can you all just sit here and pretend like nothing happened?" she demanded. "They are our friends! Have you all forgotten them so easily?"
Emma shifted in her seat uncomfortably, while Fiona and Emily exchanged hesitant glances. The silence stretched until Kate abruptly stood up. "Fine. I'll take dinner to them myself. If any of you want to come, you're welcome. If not, I'm going alone."
A few moments passed in awkward stillness before Emma pushed her chair back and stood. "Wait," she said. "I'm coming with you."
Kate gave a nod of approval, and together, they walked to the cafeteria counter. Sister Margaret, a kind-hearted woman who had always treated the students with warmth, was stationed there.
Kate approached her with determination. "Sister Margaret, we'd like to take dinner for Catherine and Maryam."
Sister Margaret studied them for a moment before nodding. "I'll allow it," she said gently. "They need comfort now more than ever."
With that, she handed them two trays of food. Thanking her, Kate and Emma made their way towards the dormitories.
---
Catherine's room was dimly lit. She sat curled up on her bed, her shoulders shaking as silent sobs wracked her frame. Tears streamed down her face as she replayed the events of the day in her mind.
"Why?" she whispered to herself. "Why did I call her Maryam? What happened to me? I ruined her life. I betrayed my best friend…"
She wiped her face with trembling fingers, but the guilt refused to fade. "I don't know if she'll ever forgive me."
A soft knock broke her spiral of thoughts, followed by the creak of the door opening. Emma stepped inside, holding a tray of food.
"Catherine," Emma said softly. "I brought you dinner."
Catherine didn't respond, still lost in her emotions. Emma walked over and sat beside her, placing the tray on the bedside table. "You need to eat something," she coaxed. "Please."
Catherine sniffled, shaking her head. "I don't deserve to eat. I don't deserve to call her my best friend."
Emma sighed, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. "You made a mistake, Catherine. But you were emotional. That doesn't erase everything you've been to each other."
Catherine looked up at Emma, her eyes red and swollen. "Do you think she'll ever forgive me?"
Emma smiled gently. "I think you should ask her yourself."
---
Meanwhile, in Maryam's room, she sat upright on her bed, her hands clasped in her lap. Her expression was calm, as though she had already prepared herself for what was to come. When the door creaked open, Kate stepped inside with the tray of food.
"I figured you'd be starving," Kate said, placing the tray on the small desk.
Maryam looked up and offered a small smile. "Thank you, Kate."
Kate hesitated before speaking again. "Catherine… she hasn't eaten anything," she admitted. "Emma took a tray to her, but she's in a bad way."
Maryam sighed, concern flashing across her features. "Did she eat?"
"I think Emma is trying to convince her," Kate replied. "But I don't know if she will."
Maryam exhaled deeply before standing up. "Then we should go to her."
Kate nodded, and together, they walked down the corridor to Catherine's room.
---
Catherine's sobs had quieted, but her head remained buried in her knees. Emma turned toward the door when it suddenly opened without a knock.
Maryam walked inside, her face soft with understanding. Without a word, she crossed the room and sat beside Catherine on the bed. Gently, she wrapped her arms around her best friend.
"Oh, my drama queen," Maryam murmured with a slight smile. "Don't act so childish. Sit up. We're having dinner together."
Catherine lifted her head, her tear-filled eyes meeting Maryam's. "I—I don't deserve this."
Maryam cupped Catherine's face with both hands. "You are my best friend. Nothing will change that. Now, wipe those tears and eat."
Catherine hesitated, then finally let out a breath before nodding. Maryam handed her a spoon, and together, they shared the meal, the tension slowly melting away.
Kate smirked as she watched them. "You know," she said with mock annoyance, "I'm kind of jealous of you both."
Catherine and Maryam exchanged a glance before bursting into quiet laughter, the heaviness of the night slowly lifting, even if just for a little while.