She knew that this wasn’t just an ordinary rainstorm. That disaster had taken many lives. She had survived only because of him, the boy who pulled her from the rubble. If it hadn’t been for him, she never would’ve made it out. All these years she’d lived safely, it was all thanks to him. But still… was that person really Joseph? Aurora clenched her fists. She was about to find out. But seeing the disaster unfold from a third-person view, she wasn’t ready.

It felt just like that breathless, crushing fear from her childhood. It was too vivid and close. And yet, she couldn’t change a thing. The only thing left was to face it. Around her, panic was rising. People were visibly unsettled, their voices growing louder, more chaotic. Still, no cancellation notice had come for the lecture. Even the weather bureau was at a loss. The shift had come so suddenly; they had no explanation. Aurora stood in the middle of it all, uncertain whether to feel thankful for being sent back or crushed by the helplessness of it. From this perspective, it was unbearable. She was surrounded by people in full panic, yet she couldn’t speak, couldn’t warn them, couldn’t stop it. All she could do was watch.

At the same time, the younger her was walking toward the auditorium. She rarely used her phone and only knew the agreed time was drawing close. Normally, she liked to be early. And since it was Megan she was meeting, she came even earlier. She didn’t want Megan to wait—Megan always arrived right on time. So, she went ahead, got everything set up, and planned to message Megan once it was all ready.

Despite the extreme weather outside, young Aurora felt no real concern. Since the lecture had been officially announced, it must have been scheduled with the forecast in mind. People like them had no reason to interfere with national arrangements. She had to trust the authorities, trust the system. Once she picked a seat with the best view, she messaged Megan. “Megan, I’ve saved us a spot.” She even sent a photo of the seat. There were only a few people scattered around the auditorium, but it didn’t bother her in the slightest. She’d arrived early—she couldn’t expect everyone else to do the same. That would be unreasonable. She had no right to control what others did. As long as she managed herself, that was enough. When Megan saw Aurora’s message, she replied quickly: “Got it, I’m on my way now.” Right after replying, Megan began gathering her things. Aurora glanced at the message and didn’t give it much thought. When Megan said she’d be there soon, it usually meant right on time—Aurora was used to it by now. Words like that didn’t mean much to her anymore. She pulled out a workbook and started going through some exercises to pass the time. It was too boring just sitting there waiting. She couldn’t afford to waste time. Outside, the thick clouds seemed to press lower and lower, as if they were about to crush the sky. In just a few moments, the daylight had nearly vanished. But inside the auditorium, Aurora had no idea any of this was happening. She was too focused on solving problems and reviewing architectural material, fully absorbed in her own world.