The cafeteria was quiet, coffee machines hissing over a low hum of chatter. Lily sketched Shira’s reflection in her notebook while Caleb ordered food.
Then the sound hit—deep and guttural, a roar that tore straight through the walls. The glass trembled; conversations snapped in half.
It came again, louder, angrier, primal enough to raise the hair on Lily’s arms. “Dad…” she breathed, already standing.
Through the window they saw Ethan sprint across the path, radio to his mouth. Caleb rushed for the door, Lily on his heels, as birds burst from the trees and the sanctuary echoed with fear.
