I LOOK IN PEOPLE'S WINDOWS ~ CHARLIE DALTON [ENGLISH VERSION]

I. ROBIN

- So, I'm supposed to wear a white shirt, this long black skirt, and a tie every day for the rest of the year? - she said while staring at her image in the mirror. She didn't like her looks, or at least not on that specific day. Her white shirt was tight and her black tie long, the skirt was 10 centimeters above her knees while her socks weren't long enough to cover half her legs. The sunlight coming through the window highlighted the wrinkles in her uniform, making her feel even more uncomfortable.

- Well, sometimes great things come with sacrifice - he said as he saw his daughter glance at her reflection. Her face showed a mix of worry and resignation. - You're beautiful, Robs. You don't need to worry.

- Thanks, Dad. You look good too - she replied with a sincere smile that brightened her face a little. - I'll head downstairs to take a seat before the others arrive. See you!

She went down the stairs while admiring the academy. It had a simple but rich brick structure, somewhat outdated but noble. The walls, covered in moss in some corners, gave it an air of history and tradition. These were the kinds of places she loved to appreciate, though she wasn't sure if its strict rules would suit her lifestyle. She was willing to change her way of being just for her father's happiness, and that idea gave her a strange mix of nervousness and determination.

When she arrived at the hall, many people looked at her, but somehow she loved that attention, the look of mystery and confusion from the people about a girl at Welton, though she assumed not many knew about her. She took a seat on one of the benches, near a window that let in a soft light. She immersed herself in her thoughts, observing the details of the room: the old portraits of former students and the shelves full of leather-bound books.

Soon after, she noticed someone sitting next to her. It was Knox's parents, her dear childhood friend. They looked at her but didn't immediately recognize her, so she decided to remain silent. Still, she couldn't help feeling somewhat comforted by the familiar presence, even from a distance.

The ceremony had begun. The bagpipes played, though somewhat out of tune, as the doors opened, allowing some boys to carry pillars. The pillars, adorned with golden emblems, seemed to symbolize the tradition and rigor of the academy. They walked down the aisle to the front, standing straight as they listened to Mr. Nolan, who stood with the authority of a leader who had seen generations of students pass through the academy. His voice was deep and resonant, as if every word carried the weight of history behind it.

- Ladies and gentlemen, boys. The light of knowledge - the music started again as an official lit the candle of one of the first-year students and the others lit their candles from this flame - One hundred years ago, in 1859, 41 boys sat in this room and were asked the same question that now greets you at the start of each semester. Gentlemen, what are the four pillars?

All the high school students stood and recited the same words: "Tradition, honor, discipline, excellence." The unified voice resonated in the hall, creating an atmosphere of solemnity that seemed unbreakable. Robin looked around, trying to hide her displeasure; this kind of teaching wasn't for her, but she would have to get used to it.

Nolan continued with his speech, which was rather long for the girl's taste, but each word seemed to be imbued with power. She felt proud of her father when he was introduced, and although the ceremony was tedious, a spark of joy lit up as she thought of him and how he had reached this moment. She looked at the audience, noting the respectful expressions of parents and students.

After the ceremony, she was the last to leave the hall. She walked through the halls of Welton until she reached the main room, where the school opened its grand doors leading to the enormous courtyard. The gardens, with their stone paths and perfectly trimmed grassy areas, stretched out before her like an oasis of tranquility. And he was there, her friend was there, chatting with his parents and friend. Knox was at the center of an animated conversation, with his characteristic air of confidence.