She's gotten hungry

After some hours of pacing and hiding in the confines of her room, Hazel's stomach grumbles, reminding her of a more immediate need. She's feeling very hungry, but the thought of venturing into the shared kitchen is almost too much to bear. What if someone sees her? What if they recognize her? The kitchen is usually a bustling hub of activity, filled with the sounds of laughter and the aromas of various dishes. But now, it feels like a minefield she must navigate with the utmost care. The quiet whispers of the empty hallways seem to echo in her ears, taunting her with the potential for discovery. She takes a deep breath and peeks out her door again, listening for any signs of life. The coast seems clear, but she can't shake the feeling that she's being watched. She wraps the blanket around her even tighter, the fabric now feeling like a second skin, and tiptoes out into the hallway. Her heart races as she makes her way to the kitchen, her eyes darting around every corner, expecting someone to jump out at any moment. When she reaches the kitchen, she finds it blessedly empty. The silence is a balm to her frayed nerves, and she quickly grabs a granola bar from her stash, devouring it in a few bites. She's just about to sneak back to her room when she hears footsteps approaching. Panic floods her veins, and she freezes, her eyes wide with terror. She's been so focused on tomorrow's humiliation that she forgot about the present danger. She whispers a silent prayer, hoping that whoever it is will pass by without noticing her. The steps grow closer, and she can feel the blood draining from her face. She clutches the blanket tightly, her knuckles white with fear. The moment stretches on, an eternity in the space of a few heartbeats. And then, as if by some divine intervention, the footsteps veer off down another hallway. She lets out a shaky sigh of relief, her knees almost buckling under the weight of her anxiety. She knows she can't hide in her room forever. She'll have to face her fears eventually. But for now, she retreats back to the safety of her room, her stomach marginally less empty and her mind racing with the reality of her situation.