Around one pm, I made my way back to the dormitory, my home
from that day onward. At the reception desk, I received a keycard for Room
401 and a handbook containing information about the dorm's rules, then
boarded the elevator. I quickly flipped through the handbook, which only
detailed the most basic things that we needed for our daily routines. The dates
and times for garbage disposal were listed, as well as a notice about avoiding
excessive noise. I also saw notes about not wasting water or electricity, and so on.
"So, they don't place restrictions on electricity or gas usage?"
I'd assumed that the school would deduct the cost from our points. This
school really went to great lengths to have a perfect system for its students.
However, I was a little surprised that they'd implemented co-ed dormitories.
After all, this was a high school, so the rules stated that unsuitable romantic
relationships were frowned upon. In short, sex was strictly forbidden... obviously.
I mean, a member of the clergy wouldn't say that engaging in illicit sexual activity was okay.
While I privately doubted that such pampered students could develop
into fine, upstanding adults, it would be wise to make the best of the situation
for now. My room was about eight tatami mats wide. Also, though this was a
dorm, it was the first time I'd lived alone. I refused to have any contact with
the outside world until graduation. Considering my situation, I unintentionally cracked a smile.
This school boasted a high employment rate upon graduation, and its
facilities and student services were unmatched throughout the country,
making it the preeminent high school in Japan. I found such things trivial,
however. I'd chosen this school for one fundamental reason.
At this high school, people were not allowed to contact students
without permission, even if they were friends or immediate family. I greatly
appreciated that. I was free. In English, they would call it, "freedom." In
French, they would call it, "liberté."
Isn't freedom simply the best? When I wanted to eat something, I could eat it. I almost didn't want to graduate. Before being accepted, I'd honestly
thought I would be been fine either way, that the difference between passing
and failing would have been trivial. But my true feelings finally welled up. I
was glad to have been admitted here.
No one else's eyes or words would ever reach me. I could start ag—no.
I could begin anew entirely. A new life. I resolved to enjoy my time here to
the fullest, but without drawing attention to myself. Still in my uniform, I
dived into my already-made bed. I felt far from tired, however. I was so
incredibly excited about my new life that I was unable to calm down. My
eyes remained wide open.