Yügen

CHAPTER I - DREAMS OF A STARRY NIGHT

'The sweetest dreams are memories that the heart longs to live.'

UNIVERSE is the first principle of existence, the origin of all creation and the end of the beginning. It hides a multitude of mysteries, secrets that beg to be discovered and others destined to remain in the shadows. A fascinating concept indeed; a subtle spark of hope for souls who long for the unknown.

This desire to reach for the heavens defined Rebecca's essence.

Closing her eyes, she considered running away. Where, she had not yet decided. Her list of options was almost as vast as her list of limitations. An injustice, yes, yet anywhere would be better than school on a cloudy Monday morning.

Rebecca wouldn't complain under normal circumstances. With above average grades and the favour of her teachers, she prided herself on an academic performance of excellence. A perfect reflection of the lessons of her parents - who had always taught her to value learning - and her own effort. However, no amount of encouragement could silence her growing boredom.

The shrill voice of Cristiana Alves echoed through the room. Rebecca listened in silence, but didn't bother to really pay attention. The only part of the class that aroused the slightest bit of her interest was when Cristiana recounted the details of her divorce after being cheated on for years. A reminder that betrayal only hurt because someone trusted someone else who didn't deserve it. Otherwise, there was nothing worth mentioning.

"Hey, are you asleep? Wake up. Hey, hey."

Insistent pats on the shoulder interrupted Rebecca's ramblings, who turned her face slightly and bit the air in a promise to do the same with Ingrid's hand if she didn't stop.

"Pass me the answers to maths homework."

Rebecca wondered, once again, why the two remained friends despite being complete opposites. Ingrid exuded good humor, attracting the people around her like moths to a flame. With her pleasant appearance and outgoing nature, Ingrid would have a world of possibilities right under her feet if she were a little less lazy.

Meanwhile, Rebecca was too embarrassed to talk to her classmates.

"No." Rebecca replied, but lost the battle as soon as Ingrid used the sad dog expression she faked when she needed something. Before Rebecca knew it, she had already handed the notebook to Ingrid. "You have to be more responsible, you know? You don't work, you don't study. You're so carefree."

"Yes, yes. What would I do without you?"

"You would've failed the fifth grade."

"Maybe, but then you" Ingrid tapped the tip of her pencil on Rebecca's forehead. "you'd be alone."

Faced with an undeniable affirmation, Rebecca contented herself with showing her tongue. After a few minutes, the exit bell rang through the building, followed by the dragging of desks and the increasing volume of conversation.

Rebecca glided through the corridors, avoiding bumping into the inconvenient students who stopped in the middle of the way. Ingrid accompanied her, making sure to wave goodbye to each acquaintance she met.

"Today's menu is either noodles with bacon or noodles with egg." Rebecca said, trying to think of the easiest possible recipes. "There's orange juice and neapolitan ice-cream."

She let out a surprised exclamation when Ingrid pulled her backpack strap - and her along with it - suddenly, causing her to stumble. Rebecca frowned, irritated.

"Watch where you're going, young lady." Ingrid said, pointing at the traffic light that was closed for pedestrians. "And I want noodles with bacon and egg. Oh, the light's open, come on. Or do I have to hold your arm to cross?"