Silence

Unsure of what to answer, you remain silent. That decision does not sit well with your professor, however. She takes big steps towards you and grabs your hands. One more time, she holds your hands tighter than before and closes her eyes, her body collapsing. Once more, you feel a cold wave through your body, and yet, it is the professor who gasps awake.

"This... This can't be happening," she says, tears welling. "I did everything you demanded. I laid low, avoided your territory, and kept things to myself. So, why? Why are you here?!"

Witnessing professor Benson's emotional outburst is not new to you. But, when she acts so **** instead of her usually proud demeanor, you cannot stomach it. Maybe this time, instead of her reaching you, you can reach out to her.

As you extend your arm to comfort your distressed professor, she forcefully slaps it away as if her life is threatened.

"Stay back! Don't come any closer! If you do, I will... I..."

She is obviously at her wit's end. Like a cornered mouse, she looks around for anything to get her out of the situation. It is when she spots Emma that her face lights up again. Immediately, Professor Benson falls lifeless to the ground while at the same time Emma rises from the grave. Yet, the expression of dread hasn't left as Emma carries the professor's feelings.

"Y-You are friends with this girl, right? I-If you come closer-" she begins, rummaging through her backpack.

At first, you only observe her wide-eyed. However, you almost instantly jump back when Emma pulls out a pair of scissors and holds them to her throat.

With shaky hands and an equally shaky voice, she continues, "H-hurt me a-and I will do it. I-I will hurt this girl," pushing the sharp object against her tender flesh.

The situation has escalated far enough. Between you, a hysterical Emma, and the **** Benson on the floor, there is only one capable of solving this conflict. You have to step up and clear up the fog.

"I-I don't know who you think I am, but I am not a danger to you or anyone," you say, using your hands to calm your friend down and slowly close the distance with steady steps. "Emma, put these scissors down, and we can talk things out. It's me, Sam Pickens! You know me! I couldn't even harm a fly."

Your slow and tender approach seems to be working; at least Emma is not harming herself any further as you close in on her. However, your words cannot convince her entirely as the tears won't stop flowing. With every step you take, she takes two back. That little sequence of yours comes to an end when she hits the wall. With her back literally against the wall, you have to be extra careful. You know that your friend is in a state of shock, and anything you do can push her over the edge.