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.

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

I almost throw up with shock.