Norman slides through the school doors half a step before the bell, backpack thumping against his shoulder. The hallway is packed, lockers clatter, and his classmate is still waiting by the locker, watch in hand.
Classmate
You made it. Barely. Class is this way, unless you are still thinking about the shelter.
Norman
I have to go to class.
The classmate nods, then spots the flyer peeking from Norman's notebook and the smudge of soup on his sleeve. Their concern tightens into something practical.
Classmate
Then go. I will cover for you if you are late by a minute, but only a minute.
Teacher
Norman. Attendance is closing. Take your seat now.
Norman looks once toward the hallway that leads back to the shelter, then toward the classroom door. The choice is no longer abstract, one place is waiting for him now, and the other is already calling his name.
✓ Quest Accepted
Take your seat in class
“Wait for the teacher”
SUCCESS (Good Willpower, rolled +1)
Norman holds at the doorway while attendance continues, then slips into the aisle as the teacher calls the next name. The classmate lowers their watch and gives him a small, relieved nod.
Teacher
There you are. Seat, now.
Norman reaches his desk, backpack brushing the chair leg, and sets his notebook down before the teacher looks up again.
Classmate
You made it. I told you I would cover the minute.
Teacher
Attendance is still open, but barely. We are starting in a moment.
The classroom settles around him, the hallway noise fading at the door as Norman takes his place and the late arrival finally lands.
Quest Complete
Take your seat in class