Chapter 21: Who Are You If Not Yourself?

Returning to the classroom, they found Maria sitting in her seat, eating the food she had brought with her. Tears still lingered in her eyes, and her pitiful appearance tugged at everyone’s heartstrings. Seeing this, Wendy approached and gently patted her shoulder, saying, "Don’t be upset. She said those things just to provoke us!" Maria nodded and replied, "I know, but it still hurts!" She wiped away her tears with a hint of frustration. Watching her, Wendy eventually reached out, took Maria’s lunch, and started eating it. "She didn’t even eat it; how would she know how delicious your bento is?" Although it was just a comforting remark, it eased Maria's heart a little. She wiped the tears from her eyes and turned to Wendy with a faint smile. “Thank you!” Just as they finished speaking, the teacher walked in carrying a large stack of papers. Upon seeing this, everyone’s expressions turned serious, as if they were anticipating something important. Feeling puzzled by the sudde