Rasazy's Fundamental Paper Education AU 2.0

The Choice

Rasazy's POV

Rasazy stirred, slowly emerging from the comforting haze of sleep. The soft rustling of fabric and the distant murmur of morning activity filtered through, drawing her back to consciousness. As she blinked, momentarily disoriented, memories from the previous day came rushing back—disjointed fragments of her conversation with Miss Grace about her identity, or rather, the lack thereof. She had lied. But what choice did she have? If she had told the truth—that she wasn't from this world—who would believe her? Most would dismiss it as nonsense, and the few who might entertain such a notion would be skeptical at best. Seeing is believing, right?

Pushing the thin blanket aside, Rasazy swung her legs over the edge of the bed, her feet meeting the cool linoleum floor. She stood up with purpose, crossing the room to the window. Pulling back the curtains, she took a deep breath as the morning light bathed her face, a brief moment of calm washing over her as she surveyed the world outside. She wasn't entirely sure where she was, but at least it was quiet, peaceful for now.

Her attention was drawn to a folded note resting on the bedside table, catching the sunlight in a golden glimmer. She picked it up and unfolded it, the neat handwriting immediately recognizable. "Dear Rasazy, I hope the morning finds you well. I'll be back shortly—I have some matters to sort out. But if you need anything, don't hesitate to call me with the phone I gave you last time. Take care, Miss Grace." Rasazy sighed, folding the note and placing it back on the table. Miss Grace, she thought, her mind wandering back to their conversation.

She needed something to occupy her thoughts. Rasazy began to explore the room, her gaze sweeping over the neatly arranged shelves filled with medical supplies and neatly boxed equipment. After a few minutes, she spotted a stack of magazines tucked beneath the bed. She pulled one out and settled into a chair by the window, flipping through the pages. The articles, though foreign, provided enough distraction to keep her mind from spiraling.

Time passed quickly, and soon the familiar sound of footsteps echoed through the hallway. Rasazy set the magazine aside, rising from her seat as Miss Grace entered the room.

"Good morning, Miss Grace," Rasazy greeted her with a polite nod.

Miss Grace smiled, her voice steady and welcoming. "Good morning, Rasazy. How about some breakfast?"

"I would love to," Rasazy replied, offering a small smile of her own.

Miss Grace gestured toward the door, "Follow me, then."

Rasazy nodded and followed as Miss Grace led her through a series of corridors, some lined with lockers, until they reached a set of heavy double doors. Miss Grace pushed them open, revealing a cafeteria. The large room was mostly empty, the long tables devoid of students this early in the day. Only one figure caught Rasazy's attention—a woman wearing an apron and a chef's hat, her hands busy behind the serving counter. Curiously, Rasazy noticed that one of the woman's hands was not quite human—it was a literal spatula.

The woman glanced up and smiled widely as they approached. "Oh, Miss Grace! Good to see you. And who's this young lady with you?"

Miss Grace offered a polite nod. "Good to see you too, Bia. I'd like to introduce you to Rasazy. Rasazy, this is Miss Bia, our school's beloved lunch lady."

Bia beamed at them, her sharp smile warm. "A pleasure to meet you, Rasazy. What can I get for you two today?"

Miss Grace spoke first, her tone familiar and light. "The usual for me, Bia, but for Rasazy, I'd like something more substantial—a proper breakfast."

"Of course, Grace! One regular and one hearty breakfast coming right up," Bia replied cheerfully before turning toward the kitchen.

As Bia busied herself, Miss Grace turned to Rasazy, her expression growing more serious. "Since our food is being prepared, I think it's time we discussed your future."