It was the last day of classes before break and all Alina could feel was a sense of dread. Who in their right mind would want to exchange unlimited food and a warm, uncrowded bed for the life she lived in the real world? Hard work and sharing a home with multiple other families. But she had to go back. The more money she could make during her breaks, the more likely she would be allowed to return to school so that she would have a better chance at life. This was something that demanded her attention and she was quite unwilling to risk her future for a little bit more time of luxury. Her letter to her mother of hopes to stay were not even her brightest idea, and she was glad to have come to her senses now.

That didn't mean that she didn't want to stay anyway. Of course she did. So the dread stayed. Nagged at her as she got ready for her day. This was certainly going to be a long day. A long winter break was to follow. Summer was going to feel like a dozen starved years. But she had to stay strong in order to secure her future. That was all that mattered. Her future.