Chapter 1

I wake up to bright lights as my curtains are flung open. 

“Mo-o-m!” I groan as I sit up, holding my head. She snickers as I crawl out of the warm cocoon of my bed and into the cold day. 

“You weren’t responding to any of my calls!” She responds, turning to leave, presumably to rush to the kitchen to prevent my little sister from burning it down. 

“You know I can’t hear you from the kitchen!” I counter as I decide to wear shorts and a t-shirt out into the chilly autumn air. 

Right before she slips out of sight, she stops by the door of my room, frowning in sudden seriousness. What it is this time!?

“Clo…”

“What is it?!” I snap, hauling my school bag over one shoulder. Her voice lowers and she sighs gently to me, like I’m a misbehaving kid.

“…Don’t stay up so late…it’s not good for you…”

“I knooow.” I roll my eyes and move towards the door. She steps out of the way to let me pass. “Don’t worry, I’m fine.”

“I know, I know, I worry a lot and I’m nagging you.” Her eyes soften. “It’s my job, as your mother.” 

“Okay, Mom.” My legs are weak from sleep as I stumble down the stairs. I miss a step. I tumble down gracelessly, my school bag hard with books and pencils. It lands on my head. “OW!” 

“Are you okay?!” My mother cries, rushing down the steps to scour me for bruises. 

“I’m fine, I’m fine.” I dust myself off. Stupid legs not obeying me. “I’m going to school now.”

I slam the door shut behind me in irritation. Then I reconsider my own actions. It was a little harsh of me to be so rude to my mom. She’s trying her best, managing two kids and two jobs. I should apologize to her later. But I shuffle down the sidewalk anyways, too prideful to turn back.

The crisp autumn air is pleasant against my skin, dry and cool. Although a bit chilly. Okay, a lot chilly. I should’ve brought my jacket. And eaten something. My stomach is hollow and I feel too tired to regret it anymore. Still, I try to keep a positive head as my shoes sift through the thick layer of brittle, fallen leaves. The sky is pale and overcast when I look up, not dark enough to suggest rain, but not patchy enough to let a hint of blue slip by. 

I can’t wait to see my best friend at school. Her name’s Myosotis, but everybody just calls her Myo (pronounced Miyo). She’s sweet and always cheerful, eager to listen and eager to speak.

As I approach the crowded school yard, the noise of obnoxious laughter and shouting gets louder. Will they ever shut up? The noise fades into a low hum in the background as I adjust. I hide behind two tall boys as the morning announcements blare through huge utility speakers. 

“Attention students! Today it is January 4th, 2030. Today is a Friday. The sky is overcast, and—“

I zone out the rest of the call, opting to search for Myo instead. Much to my disgruntlement, she isn’t ANYWHERE. Where are you, Myo? I wonder. Instead of tearing apart the entire yard, I decide to wait for homeroom to see her. She didn’t mention that she would miss school yesterday…

When I get to homeroom, the classroom is still completely empty, with the exception of the teacher. The lights are off, and Ms. Iberis is quietly tapping away at her computer, not turning away as I enter the classroom and sit at my seat in the back.

“Clover.” She says coolly when I enter. What is it now?!? 

“Yes, Ms. Iberis?” I ask politely, trying not to snap. I know when my face betrays me when her face twists into a glare.

“You still haven’t turned in your science work. Don’t make me call home, Clover.” 

I huff. 

“Sure.” I suggest with a sarcastic smile, “I’ll get it done by tomorrow.” She shrugs her shoulders like she already knows that I won’t. 

“It’s your grade, not mine.” 

Whatever. It’s not like I feel like learning about dewpoint and precipitation anyway. The door swings open. I guess quiet time is over.