Operation: Threads of Connection

Study Date

Anya's POV:

With the Fall Festival finally over, it meant one thing... midterms would be next week! Panic began to bubble up inside me as I walked home from school. My footsteps were heavy, each step a reminder of the looming exams. Despite the crisp autumn air, I felt a wave of heat flush through as my anxiety took hold. I was doing fairly well in school managing to keep A's and B's but there was one particular class that I was on the verge of failing. Physics.

This midterm could either make or break me. I was one Stella from becoming an imperial scholar, but I was also one Tonitrus Bolt from being expelled. With work and cooking club, I didn't have the opportunity to take the after school Physics study group. Although, I began working for the sole purpose of buying a new computer- I couldn't help but truly enjoy my job. I could have quit a long time ago, but I had grown attached to Mrs. Blackwell and the sense of independence it gave me. Still, the thought of failing Physics and jeopardizing everything I had worked for gnawed at me.

As I reached the front door, I took a deep breath, steeling myself. I had to find a way to balance everything.

Inside, the house was warm and inviting, filled with the comforting scent of Mama's cooking.

"Hello, Anya! How was school today?" Mama asked, turning to face me with her gentle smile.

"It was okay," I replied, avoiding eye contact. "But midterms are next week, and I'm really worried about Physics."

Mama's expression softened with understanding. "I know it's stressful, but you've been studying hard. You'll do great."

I nodded, though her words did little to ease my nerves. I grabbed a cookie from the tray and headed upstairs to my room, seeking solace in the familiar surroundings. As I plopped down on my bed, I glanced at the stack of books on my desk. The thought of diving into more studying was overwhelming.

Just then, my phone buzzed with a message. It was from Becky.

"Hey Anya, I'm struggling with Physics! Why is this so difficult?!"

I chuckled at her message. No matter the time and place, it seems Becky and I were thinking the same thing.

"Becky!! I'm dyingggg, pls come over and let's study!" I texted back. Maybe if we combined our thoughts together we would be able to get through this.

"I'll be there in twenty minutes!" she replied. I jumped up from my bed and quickly started tidying my room, making space for us to study. The thought of having Becky over lifted my spirits; at least I wouldn't have to face the daunting Physics problems alone.

"Anya, I'm home!" Papa announced. I made my way towards the living room to greet him. As I reached the corner, I noticed a very flustered Becky standing near the door. Wow, she was quick!

"I found Becky outside," Papa said with a hint of confusion. Becky, still stuttering her hello stood in the doorway, looking a bit embarrassed. "My precious Loid.. . I, um, didn't want to be late," she said, her cheeks turning a slight shade of pink.

"Hi, Papa! Becky and I are going to study for our Physics midterm," I explained, hoping to ease her nerves. "We're really struggling with it."

Papa nodded, his confusion melting into understanding. "That's a good idea. Studying together can be very effective. If you need any help, feel free to ask."

"Thanks, Papa," I said, giving him a quick hug. "Come on, Becky, let's get started." We headed up to my room, and as soon as the door closed behind us, Becky let out a relieved sigh.