Chapter 4 Leaving

His eyes swept across the crowd like a searchlight, and they fell on me.

"Some of you flout discipline and rules just because they think they're smart. Here's a word of advice: it's not easy being number one. Sooner or later, someone will replace you!"

Discussion spread among the crowd, and all eyes fell on me. George loved how this was playing out, and he announced, "And now, our brilliant student and valedictorian runner-up, Leslie Zimmer, will be giving his speech."

Leslie straightened his uniform and strutted up the stage before taking the mic. He adjusted his thick glasses, scanned the crowd, and looked at me with disdain.

"There's no shortcut when it comes to studying. You work for every mark on your paper. The people who think they're above the rules just because they know a trick or two is an insult to the people who've worked hard. The real fight, a fair fight, is just beginning!"

Thunderous applause followed. I watched this D-rate show dispassionately. Once the pep talk was over, George found his way to the corridor and stopped me.

…

Meanwhile, Leslie followed him like a triumphant rooster.

George had one hand behind his back, and he looked down at me. "Finn, in order to make sure you study like a real student and return to the right path, Leslie will be tutoring you from today onward."

Before I could say anything, Leslie quickly spoke up. "I'll share all my notes with you, Finn! I'll make sure you catch up with everyone else!"

George gave an approving nod and pointed at the books I was holding. "Also, hand over all those stupid books. You're a senior, so act like one. Don't waste your time on meaningless stuff."

These books included the latest edition of On Quantum Field Theory and writings about string theory. The former was one I'd asked someone to send me from overseas.

I looked at his hand, then at his face. His expression seemed to say only one thing. 'This is for your own good.'

The last of my hope was gone. I said nothing as I handed over my books.

"That's more like it." He happily patted the spines of the books as if they were his spoils of war.

I left without even spending another moment of my time on them.

…

That night, the dorm room was filled with snores.

I sat on my bed with the lights off. The silvery moonlight shone on the silhouettes of my sleeping roommates.

This place was suffocating, so I quietly opened up my suitcase and started packing up. I tossed my books, clothes, notebook, and my notes George thought were useless into the suitcase, not making a single sound in the process.

…

At three in the morning, everything was packed up.

I looked at the dorm that'd housed me for three years one last time, then I took out a pen and paper to leave one last message on the desk.

It read, 'Here's the fair world you want.'

I slung my backpack and pulled my suitcase as I left the dormitory in silence. I crossed the deserted field alone and disappeared into the night, never to return.