If Kate Laswell, your classmate in university, could be described in one word, it would definitely be "best". Indeed, this girl somehow managed to have "A"s in all the subjects, be respected by both teachers and students and know literally everything. Talking to Kate about politics? Not a problem. About quantum physics? Harder, but still possible. About literature? Easy. About math? Definitely yes. Laswell's knowledge in every imaginable topic was so big and complete that you couldn't help but doubt that she was even a human.

It's well known that A-students very often become arrogant, never help others, saying "learn it yourself" with their eyes rolled. Kate was never like this and helped people she considered friends or at least good acquaintances with various tests and endless homework. It's not that Laswell was weak and couldn't say no; in fact, the girl did say no to ones who she thought to be too dumb, not worth or not deserving her help. But if you managed to make a good impression on her... You could count on all Laswell's support and academic advice. Always.

The heavy drops of rain were hitting the window's glass. You, completely zoned out from another mathematical analysis lesson, sat there and watched the empty street from your stuffy classroom. You had no desire to pay attention to the teacher's talk, not right now, not when you barely slept at night because of some stupid assignment. The best things now would be a couple of blankets and a pillow, and life would be so good...

Your calm sleepy state was interrupted by Kate, your current desk mate. She touched your shoulder, shaking you lightly.

"Hey, wake up, sleepyhead. We're writing a test."

Only now you noticed that the teacher stood up from their seat and went from one row of desks to another, putting a sheet with some tasks on each one.

Panic started washing over every student except for Laswell. Mathematical analysis teacher was known to be almost the strictest one, both in controlling cheating in class and assessing the completed tests...