"I know, I know," Mia said.
"I told everyone you'd never lie about your health. But you know how people are. Scared of germs and easily manipulated."
Aurora sighed and looked around at the paranoid expressions.
Aurora stepped in front of the classroom, her shoes clicking against the tiled floor. The chatter quieted. All eyes turned toward her.
She clapped once—sharp and loud.
"Everyone, listen up."
Murmurs died instantly. Some students shifted uncomfortably in their seats. Others raised their eyebrows in curiosity.
"I heard there's a rumor going around that I have tuberculosis."
Her voice was calm but firm.
"Let me make one thing clear—I don't. I've never had it, and I'm not contagious."
Whispers rippled through the room.
"And for whoever started this baseless rumor," she continued, scanning the room until her eyes landed on Caroline in the second row,
"I'll be taking this to the principal. This isn't some joke—it's defamation. If necessary, I'll get legal involved."
