Layra

  A week passed. Nora scored ninety-six, and the math teacher forced her all week to study. Today, during the fifth period, the second exam is held.

  I go to the library. The only empty spot is a four-person table by the window. I sit down and open my book. The heavy silence of the library surrounds me.

  Suddenly, a voice startles me. A thin boy with black hair, pale skin, and sorrowful eyes is standing above me. He says softly: "I couldn’t find an empty seat… may I sit here?" Quickly I reply: "No problem."

  He spends most of his time in the library. Every time I come, I see him. He seems to have no friends. He is seventeen, just like me, and his classes are the same as mine. From his notebook, I realize he also studies mathematics. As far as I know, he has never been punished.

  Half an hour passes. Again, his voice breaks my concentration: "Are you sure it has to be negative?" I look at him with little interest and say: "Yes." But he doesn’t give up. He points at my draft with his pencil: "This part is wrong."

  I stare at my equation in shock. After a few seconds, I raise my head and admit: "Sorry… you’re right." He smiles. I remember I was rude and say: "I’m Lyra." His smile widens: "I’m Elai."

  We gaze at each other for a moment, then smile shyly and fall silent. Suddenly, the bell rings for the fifth period. We both jump up and head to class together.

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  On the way, curiosity makes me ask: "Why do you spend so much time in the library?" His eyes lose their warmth, replaced by sadness. I quickly add: *"If you don’t want to answer…" * But he interrupts: "No, it’s fine. Honestly… I don’t like seeing certain things." He pauses, then continues: "Watching others being punished… you know, it’s hard for me."

  Now I understand. Probably his dormmates are punished often. After a short silence, he murmurs: "You must think I’m too soft-hearted, useless even." I smile: "Not at all. My friend was punished on the very first day. For many of us, it’s painful. Go on, I’m listening."

  He lowers his head: "I’ve been here three years. I’ve seen things you couldn’t even imagine."

  When we enter the classroom, Nora is already seated, saving me a spot. Elai says quietly: "Looks like your friend is free now." He extends his hand: "Nice to meet you, Lyra. Good luck." I shake his hand: "Nice to meet you too, Elai. Good luck."

  We part and sit in our places. Nora hugs me tightly. I whisper: "Are you okay? They didn’t hurt you, did they?" Her face, stripped of its usual kind smile, trembles as she whispers: "No." But I know it means yes. I hug her quickly and whisper in her ear: "I know most of the questions. If you get stuck, just look at my paper." She nods. The math teacher announces the start of the exam.

  This time, I survive the danger. Nora too. I think Elai as well.

  After the exam, Nora and I return to the dormitory. One of our roommates, Ama—a kind and beautiful girl—is crying. Her sobs scratch at my heart. Nora steps forward and asks: "What happened?" Lina leans closer and whispers to us: "Ama has had nine ninety-eights in just one week. Tomorrow she’ll get the tenth… and then they’ll expel her. Or as the principal says, erase her."

  So soon… they want to throw her out.