The first rays of the sun tiptoed through the half-open curtains of Vanya's room, scattering golden lines across her study table, the same table stacked with books she hadn't asked for. Physics, Chemistry, Maths-big, fat monsters staring at her as if mocking her existence. Her alarm had rung thrice already, but honestly, she didn't need it. Sleep had played hide and seek with her last night, reminding her again and again that today wasn't just another day...it was the beginning of her 11th class.

Dragging herself out of bed, Vanya stared at the uniform folded neatly on her chair. Crisp white shirt, grey skirt, tie knotted too perfectly by her mother, socks shining like they'd swallowed detergent ads. She sighed, running her hand over the fabric. So this is how soldiers feel before war, she thought with a smirk.