I am in a classroom and the (handsome, young, male) teacher is talking about some social event taking place later that day, a dance or something similar. There is some tension in the room because of a rumor that has been going around the school about Pia, a friend of mine who is sitting very quietly across the room. According to the rumor, she has an inappropriate relationship with her cousin who is dying from cancer. I can hear the murmurs of our classmates talking about her behind their hands. Then an announcement about the big event is made and a joke is made that alludes to the gossip going around the school. Pia is stoic but I know she is as hurt by this as I am shocked. I want to go comfort her but I have to wait for the bell to ring to rush to her side.