A Rift Between Us

Chapter 55 - Stretched To The Limit

A familiar thudding echoed through the vast hall, resonating behind Alfie. A figure halted at his desk, crouching briefly. His eyes remained fixed on the timer. A sharp click snapped him out of his trance. He followed the movement, eyebrows knitted together, as a hand placed his pen back on the desk. Lifting his head, he met Alara's piercing glare. Her face was stoic, but her eyes spoke volumes—an unspoken message he understood perfectly.

He straightened up, abandoning the slouch he had settled into. His hair, a tangled mess, looked like a cluster of restless earthworms. His hands brushed over them to no avail; only a comb could bring order to the chaos. Her gaze lingered on him for a few moments longer, stretching time into an eternity. She strode towards the doors, her back straight, exuding confidence. The thumping of her boots resounded, filling the silence around them.

She wore those for own clothes day. They let her wear it again today?

He watched her leave, then glanced at the timer. Fifteen minutes were left. Scooping up his pen, he grasped it firmly. As he flicked through the remaining pages of the exam paper, the movement stirred the air, brushing against his face. A daunting amount of work still lay ahead. He lifted his head slightly, his gaze unfocused, staring blankly into the distance.

Alfie. I have every confidence that you will not disappoint on the final examination, as you did during the mock examination we took a few months ago.

A subtle crease formed at the corner of his mouth, gradually expanding into a warm smile as the memory replayed in his mind.

Alara believed I could do it. She believed in me.

A surge of courage rose from the depths of his soul. What began as a mere spark swelled within him, bursting forth like the grand finale of a fireworks show.

Technology as power. Big Brother. Never free. Yes...it's coming back now.

His hand glided across the exam paper, filling line after line. His mind raced, processing thoughts at breakneck speed, each idea flowing seamlessly onto the page.

I'm gonna ace this. I have to finish everything in time. I need to write faster. I can't give up now.

The sound of heels clicking towards the front of the hall sent shivers down Alfie's spine. Was it over? It couldn't be, not yet. Ms Camdyn adjusted the microphone on the boom stand, sending an electronic crackle shooting through the speakers.

"I'd like to inform everyone that five minutes remain. If you haven't finished yet, please press on and complete whichever part you are currently working on."

Alfie nodded subconsciously as she moved away from the stand, her gaze never wavering as she spoke. Silence blossomed anew in the hall. The closing page of his paper lay before him.

Yes, yes, yes! I need to finish this now and that's it. It'll all be done.

The timer displayed two and a half minutes. That was all that remained. Not much to work with. Alfie's eyes were locked on the last section of the paper. Only a single question lingered. Just one. The final barrier to finishing his English exam.

Damn it, what was the last theme?

His head thudded as he repeatedly slapped it with his hand. His right leg shook rapidly, the skin tingling with a sudden itch, amplifying his anxiety.

Come on, come on, what was it?

His pupils narrowed, honing in on the lines below the question. The answer sprang to mind, clear and precise.

That's it, that's it!

The pen's tip touched the paper, his hand moving in quick, deft strokes as he wrote. He paused. A faint outline of letters lay on the blank line, the pressure leaving distinct marks, yet no ink followed.

What the heck?

He tried again, only for the same thing to happen. His attention snapped back to the timer. Only one minute left.

No, no, no, I need another pen asap!