The Exam

 The room is quiet, and adrenaline fills my body and soul when I look down at my papers. This is it. The exam I had been studying all month for; the one that will give me a scholarship to attend the most prestigious college in the region.

My heart thumps loudly, and for a moment I believe it might be the loudest sound in the class.

Names are called out and the sound of footsteps could be heard coming into the classroom. I don’t bother to look up. I’m a straight A+ student who’s had eyes glued to the page the moment it came within my reach. This is my ticket to a successful future, and a life that will make myself proud.

“Begin.” The host calls out, and I violently flip over the test and scribble in the first few answers. I think the people next to me must think I’m crazy. They’re not completely wrong. But I knew these people were strict and I hadn’t that much time. 30 minutes is crazy short. But then again, this university was crazy good.

Before I can get to the fifth question, though, the door swings open, and I hear a murmer through the students. “Michael?” A voice echoes through the classroom and my heart stops. I become dead still. It must be another Michael. It must- “Michael Allard?” The voice calls out again, forcing me to reluctantly glance up.

It’s the official. He looks concerned and that’s not a good sign.

His eyes land on me and we lock stares.

“Michael Allard, aren’t you?” The tall, skinny man confirms.

Nodding, he sighs. “I’m sorry, sir, but it’s your mother. It's urgent. There was an accident.”

I almost throw up with shock.