Your scars remain

Chapter 10: Times Learning and Times Growing

Hey Karl, congrats, your now legal in the eyes of the law! Time to go to school!
But don't worry, I'm sure you'll make a lot of friends!

Lessons with Techno and sometimes Wilbur progressed on to more difficult topics. He was now dealing with squares, and shapes, and even English in Maths? Preposterous.

Yes, he knew what that word meant. He knew a lot of cool words now! A few days ago he'd stayed up the entire night trying to memorize the entire Dictionary. He hoped Mas- Phil would be proud of him. It also staved off the night terrors that had been continuously coming since that night.

If he memorized these strange equations as well, would that make him happy?

Karl hoped.

"You're picking this up faster than I thought you would," Techno commented.

Of course he was. He spent the past few nights in an anxiety-induced craze (mainly because it was implied he was supposed to be sleeping during that time) cramming as much information in his head as possible.

Asking Karl to call Mas- Phil by his name was a sign of trust, extreme trust. A trust that Karl hadn't earned. Maybe by doing this he could get slightly closer to being enough.

"Let's take a break for lunch," Wilbur suggested with a smile, "Rest your brain and all."

Karl nodded. Agree and don't disobey.

He helped Techno (apparently the only one besides Mas- Phil allowed to cook) as much as he could, and soon enough the three of them were sitting on the island barstools with plates of sandwiches and fries in front of each of them.

It was a really calming day. Rain pattered against the windows and skylights, not loud enough to drown out all noise, but enough to give everyone a sense of calm. Even Karl, who almost fell asleep twice, was feeling the effects of the weather.

"So..." Techno started awkwardly. Karl looked up. They were gazing vaguely in his direction. Karl nodded, showing he was paying attention.

"Shush, Mx. Awkward," Wilbur teased and turned to the brunette. "How would you like to meet other kids your age?"

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Dear Pandas,

Wilbur suggested enrolling me in 'School' today. Of course I know what that is, it's a building where you learn. Would this place be considered a school? It's a building where I've been learning stuff.

It sounds cool. There will be a lot of others my age. Probably also your age. I wonder if any of them are like me?

I'm excited. Maybe Tommy can come with me? He says he also goes to school although it might be a different one because he called it university.

Master Phil says that Quakity is coming over tomorrow but I forget what for. Something about papers I think?

Oh! I keep forgetting to write about it, I got to talk with Tommy! He said I might be trans. Asked if he'd like everyone to use hehim for me to see if it's comfortable. I like it so far.