The bell rang, classes are finished for the day. Mark this Tuesday off the calendar. Her last class, Drawing II was very therapeutic. Having a multi-hour buzz from that port definitely made the course more relaxing than it naturally was. To create a scenery untouched by the vile toxins of the modern world on a piece of paper was an unexpected way to experience a brief sense of satisfaction before being pulled right back into the dull reality of a Tuesday afternoon. She handed her display of inner peace to the instructor who smiled back to the non expressive Midari. "Thank you Ms. Ikishima. My my you never cease to stagnate in your capabilities. I don't usually ask this but have you considered having a career in illustration after you graduate from the academy?" 'I appreciate the compliment Mrs. Tegashi. I've actually never considered what I would do after the academy in terms of a career path. I do enjoy creating art but I wouldn't know where or how to ignite a professional occupation.' Mrs. Tegashi took out a piece of paper and wrote down some information. She handed the paper to Midari. 'What is the link for?' "That link will send you to my personal website that contains gallery presentations I've recorded for reference. It also has other useful information that could help start the path for impressionable academy artists." 'Thank you Mrs. Tegashi.' Midari left the art room and began to walk towards the lobby exit. Zzzzt. She received a text. Looking up her phone, it was her mother. "Sorry honey, I forgot to tell you this morning that I have a doctors appointment in the afternoon. I will not be able to pick you up for at least an hour and a half. I think you will be able to keep yourself busy in the academy until I arrive. To make up for my mistake I'll pick up some takeout on the way back home. Love you Midari. :P 'Dammit, I don't feel like gambling. Fuck it, I'll just go back to my office…' Midari was interrupted by a familiar voice. "Council Member Ikishima. President Kirari would like to see you." It appeared to be Student Council Secretary Sayaka Igarashi. Midari rolled her left eye. 'Of course, it's not like I have anything else going on at this moment.' She was honestly planning for the next hour to take either a nap in her office or use her office desktop to type in the url Mrs. Tegashi wrote down. Midari shrugged off Sayaka's unresponsiveness and followed her to the Student Council meeting room. Once arrived Sayaka opened the door and gestured to Midari to enter the room. The first thing she saw was President Kirari drinking tea and Vice President Ririka standing behind, to the right side of the president. She was also holding a cup of tea and saucer. "Beautification Officer Ikishima, please take a seat." Midari sat in her designated chair. "Would you like a cup of dimbula tea?" 'Yes. That would be nice.' Sayaka placed down a tea cup and saucer. She poured the hot dimbula tea into the cup without incident, not even a microsplash present. 'Thank you Secretary Igarashi. So, am I in trouble President Kirari?' Kirari made a small laugh. "No Midari you are not in trouble. I am just interested in whether you have anything to share with the Student Council as we have yet to hold a single one on one session with you this week. I apologize for the wait. This week's late Monday morning meeting threw my schedule off more than I anticipated, for better or worse." 'I get it Kirari. I have been slow to adapt to this new week. Everything seems to be the same, the classes, schedules, meetings, people, you name it. Although the atmosphere feels different for some reason. I'm annoyed, tired, sore, and that was before my afternoon buzz. This depletion of enthusiasm has been replaced once before with unmitigated apathy but this is different. The apathy has transformed into something less vile. Instead of unmitigated apathy it seems to have turned into major depression. It is not exactly desired by most but this change is not final. I do not want to say that I am hopeful although, personal betterment feels more achievable than previously mentioned.' Midari looked up to get a sense of the room. Sayaka maintained a small approving smile, Kirari was neutral in her facial expression with the exception of her cyan eyes glowing, and Ririka's expression was concealed by her grey mask. "You never create a dull conversation Midari. I am glad that you are having a more positive outlook of yourself. I can relate to the disdain one has to society and its arbitrary norms and values. The battle between the internal and external is constant but when one internally is without control the battle is already lost. Every step forward can be seen as miniscule to most but to a minority of struggling individuals, every step is a war within itself. Okay, I think today's meeting was productive. I know I'm cutting the time a little short. I'm still not completely caught up from Monday. That just means that we will have more to discuss next Monday. I know I am not a counselor but please do not hesitate to contact me in between our meetings. It is my job as Student Council President to create and maintain a foundation of reliance and stability within the academy. I will do anything to ensure a functional council no matter the consequence. Thank you for participating and please, take care of yourself Midari." 'Thank you President Kirari.' Midari finished the dimbula tea, got up, pushed in her chair, and performed a deep bow before leaving the Student Council room. She closed the door and let out a deep breath. 'I still have an hour and ten minutes left. Time to take a nap.' Midari quickly walked to her personal office and locked the door behind her, set an alarm on her phone, turned off the lights, and sat down on the couch which had a recliner function for each edge seat. 'Finally some peace and fucking quiet.' She closed her eyes to the sound of silence accompanied with a ringing in both ears. Over an hour until her mother picks her up, some momentary peace was required to finish this Tuesday afternoon.