Monday.

Students emerged from the dormitory tower, each burdened with a mix of emotions—nervousness, despair, fear, regret, resignation, and anticipation.

“Nilia, are you actually excited?”

“Oh, come on. How confident can she be…”

“No, no, I was just looking forward to the end of the term after this week!”

“No need for humility, Nilia. We’re the ones who didn’t study, so if anyone should feel confident, it’s you.”

“I told you, I’m not confident...!”

As if to celebrate the final week, thick snow began to fall from the sky.

“Look, snow.”

“It actually looks kind of pretty, now that we’re …