My classmates' yells directly strike my heart during play. They always bring up memories of my worst experiences.

                                                         1

The day's events had already heightened my sour attitude. In addition, the orchestra practice took longer than expected, and I did not finish packing my schoolbag for home until 5:30. The moonlight now poked through the clouds on the normally sunny campus, but it did not get a glimpse of the road. The twisted, claw-like tree limbs were crisscrossed and covered in a white sheen that resembled a veil that was hazy and drifting. Unconsciously, I picked up my pace and went back to the classroom to get the receipt I had misplaced. Maybe because it was already late, but the lobby and corridor lights were so dim, and the wind was howling, that the entire place felt empty to me. I picked up even more speed, breaking

Even though time was running out and I regretted not turning on the lights when I first entered, I dared not move. I gave a small nod, saying, "Ahhh!" I cried out as I fixed my gaze on the rear door window of the classroom. There was a face there! I hurried out of the classroom with a loud bang and ran as fast as I could toward the hallway's last source of light. I vividly remember the bruises on my limbs when I returned home, even though I can not even count how many times I tripped in the panic. With my heart pounding and my breath coming in short gasps, I dared not look back. However, I was furious with myself at this moment for realizing that I had left the receipt in the basement during my

I went the basement, and I am not sure where I got the bravery to do so. As is common in horror films, accidents always happen in these kinds of settings. As I walked into that infinite chasm, I felt my way down the rails, my legs shaking and my teeth shivering.

I would not even be aware of the belief that kept me going later. I simply moved, step by step, like a machine. The hardwood floor was warning me, but I knew there was nothing to be done. I continued to feel my way ahead with my hands, and any change in feeling, from the cold, metal railings to the pillows' skin-like softness, sent shivers down my spine. I came to the profound realization that the biggest fear—possibly even greater than sadness—is the unknown since it prevents you from crying even when you want to.

                                                              2

Returning to the daily grind of attending classes—is not that what being a student is all about? Nevertheless, I frequently feel as though something is lacking with this kind of class schedule. It might be the thrill of a sporting event, the surprise of a new finding, or the feeling of finishing an anime series I have been watching. This feeling of mundanity could come from the overly easy academic path, or it could come from the mindset of relinquishing everything. I believe that humans only really exist for a short while—brief happiness, transient sadness—and that the rest of their lives are just boring passages of time.

Abruptly, I heard the metallic noise I would heard in the basement once more. It was a low murmur, sometimes broken up by jagged spikes, as faint as a pulse yet just as potent. There was an unexplainable unease in my chest, like there was something secretive going on in the school. The teacher's voice abruptly called me back to the class, saying, "Answer this question." I stumbled, "I... do not really know." "You will not get far with this lack of effort," the instructor reprimanded. I bowed my head and realized that more passionate prayers had been spoken on the top of the desk than in a church. Every student was filled with anguish as they prayed in silence, praying that they would not be asked to attend a parent-teacher conference. Next to me,