Zugzwang:

Chapter 1

I kept my gaze on my laptop's screen, trying to ignore the squealing coming from downstairs. My sister was always so loud mouthed and I can't remember the last time she put down her phone. Honestly, if she was going to talk on her phone why couldn't she just speak in a normal tone of voice?

I took a sip of my green tea, savoring the natural taste. I stifled a laugh as I watch Hetalia: Axis Powers on my laptop. I always had a serious personality and I hated most comedies but this seemed to be the only funny show I liked. Probably because it was based on history and the show seemed to make fun of past events without being too ridiculous and it actually made sense. Sometimes.

One of my friends was in the school Anime Club and she gave me the whole English dubbed series. History was one of my favorite subjects and I rarely have time to relax. I was a perfectionist and when I had no homework, I would be doing personal research, reading, writing, or taking care of the house.

I read fanfiction if I have nothing better to do. As long as it doesn't include yaoi or slash, whatever word they use for homosexual relationships. I'm not really against homosexuality but I don't support it either. My family is Roman Catholic and we prefer to stay out of...complicated situations like that unless it really can't be avoided. We like to say that we are neutral about it. My mother taught me to be kind no matter what, even when I highly disagree with someone. I always went by that rule but I'm not too sure about my sister. She was always gossiping with her friends and I always ignore it. I wouldn't be surprised if they made fun of certain people and one time I heard them accusing someone in one of her friend's classes of being a lesbian and I immediately blocked them out.

My cat, Simon, yawned and curled up next to me, burying his face in my side. I ran my fingers through his soft fun, adoring the sound of his content purring. I absolutely love Simon. He had been a birthday gift from my parents when I was in eighth grade. He's a beautiful Ragdoll and he was a year old when I adopted him. My parents took me to an animal shelter when I turned thirteen. I wanted a cat because they were much quieter and more independent than dogs. Simon stood out from the other cats because of his silvery blue coat and cobalt colored eyes. I had marveled what a gorgeous kitten he was. When my father put him in my arms, I immediately melted. I wouldn't let go of him until he had to be put in his kennel.

My mother never really liked cats before but she warmed up to Simon. I can't blame her. Simon was so affectionate. The only person he didn't like much was Jessie, my younger sister. Everytime she barged into my room Simon would hide under my bed. Not that I blame him, Jessie never failed to get on my nerves either.

"Miriam!"

Simon immediately jolted awake and I inwardly groaned. Of course my sister had to bother me when I finally managed to relax after finishing my chores. And hers.

I paused my show and got up. Simon also got up and followed me to the door. I giggled when he pawed at the door and rushed out when I opened it. When I got downstairs, Jessie was sitting at the table with a soft drink in one hand and her beloved cell phone in the other. I crossed my arms and glared at her.

"What is it now, Jessie?" I asked, my tone icy. It was like a switch and my mood affected my voice. My sister didn't even look up from her phone.

"Mom and Dad are going to be late so make your own dinner." She said.

"Fine." I muttered. I opened the pantry and selected a can of vegetable soup. Sometimes I wonder why I even bother doing her chores for her. She changes friends like she changes clothes and her friends are twice as bad. I get a headache just thinking about all those times she invited her friends over. I have a few very good friends but I rarely invite anyone over. I prefer to be alone most of the time. We don't talk daily but we speak everytime we meet up and they appreciate my patience and help.

It took a little more than five minutes to heat my dinner. I got a bottle of water and went back upstairs. I sat crisscrossed on my bed and played where I left off as I ate. Simon lay asleep next to me once again. I smirked in both amusement and annoyance as I watched the eighteenth episode when the Allies fought the Axis.

Seriously, Germany has a gun. Why wait to shoot? Just one shot and he might take China down. It's not like it will kill him. Japan has obviously existed for centuries so he surely perfected martial arts. He should have lasted longer and actually put up a decent fight against China. Italy, well, I doubt anything can be done about him. He may have defeated Turkey once but I believe something must have happened to make him the way he was. I wondered how Italy reacted to the Ardeatine and Acqui Division massacres.

It was near midnight when I finished the final episode of The Beautiful World when I started to feel fatigue. This was strange because I had severe insomnia. I could never close my eyes without a sleeping pill. Not even on a Friday night like this. My eyelids seemed to get heavier and I felt myself drifting off. I decided to close my eyes for only a few minutes.

The last thing I saw was my alarm clock turn from 11:59 to 12:00 before my vision went black.