Jayden burst through the bedroom door and sprinted down the hallway, his sneakers squeaking against the polished tiles as he made a desperate break for the dining hall.
His stomach was already beginning to growl, a deep and hollow sound that reminded him he had skipped dinner the night before in favor of sleep.
When he finally reached the large double doors of the cafeteria, he skidded to a halt, his heart sinking into his shoes.
The massive hall was quiet.
There were no students left at the long wooden tables. Instead, he saw the final few stragglers vanishing through the opposite exit, their bags bouncing against their backs as they hurried toward the school building.
He was late. Not just slightly late, but "the kitchen is closing" late.
Jayden raked his eyes over the long food counter, hoping for a miracle, but the sight was grim.
