The alarm. I hated that alarm. Another day at Kadic, another morning in science with Mrs. Hertz and another day trying to pretend everythin is alright. My head ached from the rough night of sleep, and I was still having the chest pains that had been going on for nearly a month now. My stomach rumbled as I got dressed for school, choosing a pink hoodie and black skinnies with pink boots, not wanting to wear dresses in the cold. The dorms filled with the sounds of kids waking up and rushing towards the shower, and I was glad I had taken mine last night.

“Aelita, are you coming?” Anais Fiquet called, knocking on the door. We weren’t close friends, but she had helped me several times in my time at Kadic.

“I’ll be right—” A pain shot through my chest, cutting me off. I inhaled sharply, trying not to scream. The pain went as quickly as it came, and I straightened up, looking at myself in the mirror. My face was pale, but I looked fine. I quickly brushed my hair, though I knew it wouldn’t do much good, and grabbed my bag, racing to breakfast.

Jeremie and Odd were already sitting at the usual table, Odd trying to talk Jeremie into giving him his croissant. “Hey Aelita!” Odd looked up, giving me his goofball smile. “Anything on your tray you don’t want?”

“No.” I slid the tray over to him.