Invisible Strings

Chapter 4: Rare Artifacts

Saturday mornings at Nevermore were usually hushed, the campus steeped in a lazy kind of quiet. Most students lingered in the dorms or slipped into town in groups, their laughter echoing faintly through the old stone walls.

Isadora, however, found herself wandering the library, drawn by an instinct she didn't question too hard. And there she was, Hannah... Curled up at a table by the tall windows, a stack of books forming a careful barricade around her. Her outline was steady, visible, though she hunched slightly as though bracing against the world anyway.

For a moment, Isadora simply watched, warmth tugging at her chest. Hannah's fingers traced the edges of the worn sheets of paper, her pencil tapping softly at the table in thought.

"Hard at work?" Isadora's voice was gentle, teasing without weight.

Hannah jumped slightly, blinking up at her. "Oh. Um... just... researching for a paper in Composition."

Isadora smiled, sliding her hands into her coat pockets. "Hm, I see."

"Actually," Isadora said after a beat, her tone light but intentional, "I was about to head into town. Run a few errands, maybe stop by the café. Would you like to come with me?"

The question hung between them, simple but significant.

Hannah's eyes widened just a little, like she couldn't quite believe she'd been asked. "Me?"

"You," Isadora confirmed warmly. "I'd like the company." She said kindly and stepped back, already deciding for Hannah that she was coming. "Come on. It'll be fun." She said warmly and a little softer, tilting her head a little to the side. Hannah smiled a little and rose from her chair, packing her bag. "Atta girl."

They crossed the courtyard together, heading toward the faculty lot tucked behind the west wing. Isadora jingled her keys, shooting Hannah a little grin. "Don't look so surprised. Teachers get perks too."

Hannah blinked at the sleek, slightly weathered car waiting for them. "You... drive?"

"Of course I drive." Isadora popped the locks with a click. "Contrary to popular belief, we're not all chained to the school walls."

Hannah gave a faint laugh at that, the sound small but genuine, before sliding into the passenger seat. She set her bag on her lap, fingers clutching the strap like a lifeline.

Isadora noticed but didn't comment. She started the engine, the low hum filling the silence. As they pulled out onto the road, she glanced sideways. "You can leave your bag in the back if you want. It'll be safe here."

Hannah hesitated, then nodded, twisting to carefully set it in the backseat. When she settled again, she folded her hands in her lap, as if unsure what to do with herself now that she wasn't holding onto something. Not having anything physical to ground her.

The car rolled down the tree-lined road, the town still a few minutes away.

"So," Isadora said lightly, drumming her fingers against the steering wheel. "What kind of errand buddy are you? Silent, judgmental, overly opinionated?"

Hannah's mouth quirked, just slightly. "Quiet."

"Mm, a quiet one," Isadora smirked playfully. "Good balance for me. I talk too much." That earned her another small laugh, quieter than the engine, but just as steady. "Hannah...? Are you quiet because you're shy or because you don't feel your words have much value to them?"

The question was raw. Made Hannah stop for a moment, not even knowing the answer herself. "Both?" She said softly, unsure of herself.

Isadora smiled a little and glanced over at her. "Hm..." She hummed, making Hannah look over at her, away from her small, clammy hands in her lap.