Chapter 27

The weight of the dean's words pressed down on Hilary like a leaden cloak. The threat of repeating the year, a prospect she had never even considered, hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the fragility of her seemingly perfect world. She pushed open the door, the familiar warmth of the hallway a stark contrast to the icy chill that had settled in her heart.

Waiting outside the office, leaning against the wall, was Ganaesly, her best friend since kindergarten. Ganaesly, with her infectious laughter and boundless energy, was the embodiment of sunshine and optimism. But even Ganaesly's radiant smile seemed to dim as she noticed the shadows that had fallen on Hilary's usually radiant face.

"What happened?" Ganaesly asked, concern lacing her voice. "Did the dean want to talk about the bake sale?"

The bake sale, a yearly tradition at Hilary's school, was Ganaesly's domain. She was the mastermind behind the legendary chocolate chip cookies that were the highlight of the event, a