Hacker Academy

Queasy Thoughts

I devoured the spaghetti.

Unix was eating her instant noodles again. 

Domain was picking at food that did not look like food.

"It's not fair, Amelia never picks my assignments." Unix pouted.

"She always picks the smart kids." 

I stared at the two of them. "I can't believe you can earn money by doing homework."

Unix smiled. "Only if you're the best."

"I never get chosen, that's why I have to work as Admin."

"How much is one assignment usually?" 

Domain thought for a moment. "10 Hackcoins if you're lucky." 

10 Hackcoins. That could provide a week's food for my family. I looked at the plate of spaghetti. I felt selfish. Mother and sister probably were too weak to even hold a plate now, and here I was, stuffing myself. What would happen if they left the rent due for too long? The landlord might barge in and kick them out. Maybe they're on the streets right now. I pushed the plate away.

"You gonna eat that?" 

"No."

"Alright then." Domain pulled the plate towards him. 

"I don't feel too good, I'm going to the dorm to rest a while." 

Unix looked at me. "Want me to come with you?"

"No, no it's fine."

"Me and Domain will hang out here then. I'll go see you later." 

I slung my backpack on one shoulder and headed for the door. My stomach felt queasy. I wanted to go home, just to make sure mother and sister were alright. But here I was, trapped in a city I didn't even know how I got in. 

I opened the door. As soon as I let go, the door banged open again and hit me from behind. I fell down and my books splayed on the floor. I felt like crying. The cafeteria noises seemed to drift on and off. 

"I'm so sorry!" It was a girl's voice. I looked up. It was Celestia. 

She scrambled to the floor and started picking up my books. Her eyes were filled with worry. I was surprised she didn't scoff and walk away. I stared at her. Unix said Celestia was cold and distant. Was she? 

Celestia handed back my books. "Sorry about that." 

I shook my head. "That's fine."

Celestia seemed relieved. "Bye." 

I watched her walk ahead. This Celestia was different than the one I saw in the cafeteria. 

Shaking my head, I walked into the elevator. Hacker Academy was strange.