The Fall of Atlas

Chapter II | Minotaur

"It's time..."

I heard that voice and instantly snapped out of sleep. I inhaled deeply and raised my gaze to the sky. It is time... Impending chaos...

--

Gabbie's POV

"Last 30 seconds to answer..."

When I heard those words from my lecturer, my exam paper was almost crumpled in my haste to make sure I had answered every question. I swear to God, I hate Pharma! I hardly ever pass exams in this subject!

"Pass your papers! Exam rationale and oral recitation will be administered next week." He instructed.

The lecture hall was filled with low murmurs and grumbles. What I heard made me scratch my head. Next week, I have practicals in Surg 1, an OSCE, and a recitation in Pharma all at the same time, so I probably won't get any sleep!

"Gab! Tara coffee shop tayo, review sa Surg." my classmate Trinity asked.

"Sorry pass muna. Sa lib ako magrereview, Neuro. Need ko mapag-isa kasi malamang bunot nanaman ako nung homophobic nating prof." I rolled my eyes after talking

"Wala ka naman kailangan i-prove don girl. Yaan mo na yon si Doc Pineda di lang niya matanggap na isang gay kagaya mo ay sobrang consistent sa rankings." Trin stated as she rubs my shoulder for comfort

"Just wanna be prepared in case..." I said then shrugged

"Okay. It's your decision. Mauuna na kami."

Trinity put her things away and left the classroom with our other batchmates.

Trinity is correct after all. I truly don't have anything to prove to anyone because I consistently place highly in our college rankings. Nonetheless, I constantly feel the need to refute Doc Pineda when he is the professor. Not only is he homophobic, but we have no idea why he is upset with our batch.

I sighed deeply and walked out of the classroom. There are moments when I genuinely feel that my 21-year-old self is the one suffering and that I should have enjoyed my teenage years instead of putting so much effort into my studies. While I am an almost insane student here, I am jealous of my other batchmates who are enjoying their undergrad programs.

--

I had a quick lunch then drove to the library. Our campus is annoyingly big, either you have to drive, ride a jeep, or run for your life just to arrive on time for your next class.

I immediately booked a conference room after I arrived at the library. I like my study time to be quiet. My attention span is quite short that's why I often opt to review by myself.

After securing the conference room I left my belongings there and then started to find the resources I needed. As I pass by the Greek literature aisle an eerie feeling shivered down my spine. It's like this every day, I can always feel someone there watching me so I always hurry up and never look there.

I only took three books to read until 5 pm. I only have one class for today and I don't feel like going home early after reviewing. Besides, every time I'm at home it's like I'm automatically lethargic.

--

I was so engrossed in what I was reading that I hardly noticed the time passing. I simply felt the sun lowering with each passing moment and glanced out the window. I shut the books and put them back in the surrender station before leaving the library.

I made the decision to spend some time watching the sunset in the field before heading home. I'm not sure why, but it comforts me to watch the night encroaching on the day. I also like to see other students engage in a range of activities in the field. The others are spending time together, engaging in sports, and dating in couples. Sometimes I wonder if my life would be as enjoyable as theirs if I hadn't been accelerated.