The next day, I felt heavier than usual.
Not scared. Not excited. Just… aware.
I walked to class slowly. Every step felt measured.
The other boy was at his usual spot. Quiet. Calm. Not afraid.
I watched him for a moment.
He didn't know I was watching.
Or maybe he did.
My phone buzzed.
Unknown Number:
It is time to choose.
I swallowed.
Choose what? I typed.
Unknown Number:
How you will respond.
I thought about everything that had happened.
The tests.
The silence.
The warnings.
The other boy refusing the system.
I realized something.
This wasn't about following rules.
Or being invisible.
Or even avoiding mistakes.
It was about deciding for myself.
During history class, the teacher asked a question.
I could have copied the answer from a friend.
I could have ignored it.
But I didn't.
I answered honestly.
Not perfect. Not flashy. Just me.
A few students looked at me.
Some smiled.
Some shrugged.
My phone buzzed.
Unknown Number:
Good. That is your choice.
I looked across the classroom at the other boy.
He smiled slightly.
Not at me. Not for me.
Just… acknowledging himself.
That evening, at home, I sat at my desk.
For the first time, I wrote freely in my notebook.
Not observations. Not copied thoughts.
Just… me.
A final message appeared.
Unknown Number:
From now on, your decisions shape the path. Watch carefully. Learn quickly. But act freely.
I smiled.
For the first time, I felt… in control.
And maybe, finally, I was ready.