You bolt upright in bed, heart hammering against your ribs. A nightmare? Or did your body just force you awake, you don't care.

You squint at your phone. Three minutes of peace before the Paper School kills you

With a heavy sigh, you drag yourself out of the sheets. Your limbs feel stiff as a... stiff person... as you stretch, the routine of getting ready playing out in a blur. You get dressed, finally, staring at your reflection until the uniform looks right.

You scarf down a quick breakfast or don't. It doesn't matter. There’s no ride today, you’re walking.

Finally, at the the freakin Paper School. You see the usual crowd: students loitering by the entrance, some already scurrying inside to avoid being late.

As you cross into the school, you spot someone new. A girl with a blunt bob cut and a nervous energy that just screams "Fresh Meat." You don't think much of her, new kids come and go here, sometimes literally, and you just walk past.

Further down the hall, you hear Kevin’s voice

"Cubbie, did you study for the tests we have later?"

Kevin says, sounding like a MASSIVE DORRKK

"Mreow."

Cubbie responds with a flick of a tail. Kevin nods knowingly, adjusting his glasses.

"Good."