CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-TWO: RECONNECTING WITH THE PAST

They approached a large brick building, its facade unchanged since Claire's teenage years. As they climbed the steps, Claire felt a strange mix of excitement and trepidation. "It feels smaller than I remember," she mused, pushing open the heavy doors. The halls were eerily quiet, classes in session behind closed doors. Claire's footsteps echoed on the linoleum floors as she led Mason past rows of lockers. "There's my old locker," she said, pointing. "Number 237. I can still remember the combination." As they turned a corner, a voice called out, "Claire Langford? Is that you?" Claire spun around to see an older woman with kind eyes and silver hair. "Mrs. Thompson!" she exclaimed, rushing forward to hug her former teacher. Mrs. Thompson beamed, holding Claire at arm's length to look at her. "My goodness, look at you! All grown up and successful. I always knew you'd go far." Claire blushed, gesturing to Mason. "This is my boyfriend, Mason. Mason, this is Mrs. Thompson, the best his