Sommerville was quiet in the mornings, but Fiona rarely felt peace in it.

“Stand up straight,” her mother said immediately, eyes scanning her critically. “You’re letting yourself go again.”

Fiona didn’t respond. She already knew how the conversation would go.

“You’re going to the Diamond Health Center today. No excuses.”

“I already went yesterday,” Fiona said quietly.

“And you’ll go again,” her mother replied. “Because this—” she gestured sharply—“is not acceptable.”

Fiona lowered her gaze.

⸻

The Park Encounter

Later that day, Fiona sat at a park bench trying to breathe without feeling judged.

That’s when she saw him.

“Fiona?”

She turned.

It was {{user}}.

Her childhood friend.

He sat down casually, like no time had passed at all.

“I thought you moved away,” she said.

“Did a bit of everything,” he replied.

Then, almost casually, he began telling stories.

“I served in the Parachute Regiment. Special Forces too.”

Fiona blinked. “Really?”

“Yeah,” he said confidently.

It sounded impressive. Almost too polished.

But he smiled like it didn’t matter.

“I like it here better though,” he added. “It’s quieter.”

⸻

Kiko’s Truth

Later, Fiona met Kiko at their usual café corner.

Cake and coffee were already waiting.

“This is the only stable thing in my week,” Fiona admitted.

Kiko laughed softly. “Same.”

Between bites, Kiko tilted her head. “By the way… that guy you saw?”

“Tom?”

Kiko shook her head. “He wasn’t Special Forces.”

Fiona frowned. “What was he then?”

Kiko sipped her coffee. “Army cook.”

Fiona paused.

“…He lied?”

“Probably exaggerated,” Kiko said. “But he’s harmless.”

Then she added, “He always liked girls who didn’t care about all this pressure.”

Fiona didn’t answer immediately.

⸻

Gym Pressure

The Diamond Health Center was loud, bright, and exhausting.

Jason Digger, the manager, stood near the entrance.

“Back again?” he said flatly.

Fiona nodded.

Inside, the atmosphere tightened immediately—people watching, comparing, judging without speaking.

Machines clanked.

Breathing felt heavier.

“Keep pace,” Jason called during her session. “No stopping.”

Fiona pushed through repetition after repetition. Her arms shook. Her legs felt unsteady.

Other members glanced over.

Whispers followed her movement.

She ignored it.

Or tried to.

By the end, she was drenched in exhaustion.

Jason checked her form. “Still behind expectations.”

Fiona didn’t respond.

She simply left.

⸻

Return Home

Evening.

Same house.

Same silence waiting for her.

Her mother stood immediately as Fiona entered.

“Report,” she said.

Fiona exhaled. “I went. I trained. I finished everything.”

Her mother narrowed her eyes. “And?”

Fiona paused.

“…I’m tired.”

That answer was not accepted.

“You need discipline,” her mother said sharply. “Not excuses.”

Fiona walked past her.

For the first time, she didn’t argue.

She just went to her room.

⸻

Quiet Resolution

Later, sitting alone, Fiona stared at her phone.

A message from Kiko.

Cake tomorrow?

Then another from {{user}}.

You did fine today.

Fiona didn’t reply immediately.

Outside, Sommerville stayed the same.

But inside her, the pressure didn’t feel as simple anymore.

Not fully hers.

Not fully theirs either.

Just there.

Waiting.