The hum of silence wrapped the room,
each breath a whisper, an unbroken pact.
Pens hovered, waiting for thoughts to fall—
a synchronized stillness in quiet communion.
Then, like a rogue wave crashing,
from somewhere—a tide of sound erupted.
A belly\'s unfiltered confession reached us all,
raw, organic, uncontrollably human.
Someone stifled a laugh, a ticking time bomb—
lips pressed tight against betraying mirth.
My own ribs shook in solidarity,
a battle to stay respectful, upright, composed.
The professor paused, brow raised in inquiry,
but no accusation followed, no direct gaze.
We all sat in an orchestra of restraint,
a room full of us, caught in echoing truth.
Even silence has its breaking point,
even steel walls hold seams that crack.
On days like these, I thank the universe
for the way awkward moments bind us.