The quiz came back the next day.
I didn't rush to flip mine over.
4/10.
It looked worse in numbers.
Not dramatic.
Just clear.
At the same time, the teacher began passing out another sheet.
"Midterm exams start in two weeks," she said, sliding one onto each desk. "Here's the timetable. Plan accordingly."
Chairs scraped. Someone groaned.
I looked down.
Physics.
First paper.
Of course.
Two weeks.
The hallway buzzed as everyone compared dates.
Lunara scanned hers beside me.
"What did you get?" she asked.
"Four."
"Out of?"
"Ten."
She nodded once.
"Okay. We fix it."
We.
I didn't argue.
At home, I was helping Erin in the kitchen when Aisling's phone rang.
"I know!" Aisling said. "Midterms are starting already."
She laughed.
"Two weeks."
Erin glanced up.
"Already?"
Aisling shrugged. "I'm ready."
Her eyes slid to me.
"Cala, you ready?"
"Yeah," I said easily. "I am."
"Stay on top of it," Erin added. "Don't let things pile up."
"I won't."
That was enough.
In my room, I laid the timetable flat on my desk.
Physics.
Then math.
Then chemistry.
The order felt intentional.
Rehearsals were increasing.
Interstate competition was close.
Physics was first.
I traced the date with my finger.
Two weeks.
I didn't reach for my phone.
I didn't open my textbook.
I just stared at it.