After reading the prologue and feeling that I might not dislike this novel, I decided to move on to the first chapter. It's funny, because now I wonder if this is what someone would read if they were inside my head, reading my thoughts as if I were just another character in their book.
Wouldn't it be unsettling?
I keep pondering that, keeping my gaze fixed on the letters of the book in front of me. Suddenly, a voice drags me back to the classroom.
—Lian, can you explain to the class what you are thinking?
I'm not surprised, the question doesn't bother me. I am used to being asked questions in the middle of my thoughts. I look up, glance at the professor, and respond calmly.
—Of course, professor. As I was saying, the concept is...
But while I speak, my mind keeps wandering. The book I'm reading talks about a world without Branches. It's curious to think about that. A world without those skills that we all have from birth. Some Branches are as simple as superhuman strength, others as rare as the ability to fly or even breathe underwater.
It's strange to imagine living without it. How would it be? Something like that seems as unreal to me as a story about aliens or journeys to fantasy worlds.
—...the concept is simple. First, we need to identify the Branch of the subject to... —I continue, returning to my presentation, but my thoughts still revolve around that world without powers.
The bell finally rings, marking the end of the day. The students immediately get up, some talking to each other, others already taking out their phones. I am not in a hurry. I stay in my seat for a moment longer, watching as the class slowly empties. It's not that it bothers me, I've never been one to rush to escape.
When I finally get up, the school feels calm, as if the day has already ended for everyone but me. I step out into the hallway and, upon reaching the exit, the fresh afternoon air greets me.
I step through the threshold and, for an instant, I stop. I look up at the sky, which is already starting to turn an orange hue. It is a calm, peaceful view, like the life I have built so far.
With my Branch, I can have a stable life. I am not one of the most powerful people nor one of those elites whom everyone admires, but probably that is not necessary. My skill ensures me a comfortable life, without ups and downs, without surprises.
Despite everything, a small part of me feels... unsatisfied. Maybe I expected my life to be something more, or that over time something more exciting would emerge. It's not that peace bothers me, but sometimes I wonder if everything has been said for me.
I shake my head and start walking home, letting those thoughts fade with each step.
Upon arriving home, the familiar air welcomes me. I leave my jacket on the coat rack and head to the dining room, where my parents are already sitting, waiting.
My father, Elias, is in his usual place at the end of the table. He always has an imposing presence, but his look when he sees me enter is that of someone who feels comfortable in their home, relaxed in the company of their family. He greets me with a nod.
"How did it go today?" he asks, his tone firm but with that warmth that needs no more words.
My mother, Selene, looks up and smiles instantly. Her energy is as natural as daylight, and she always has something to share. I don't know how she does it, but she manages to fill the space with her presence in the softest and most welcoming way.
"Is everything okay at school, Lian?" he asks, while handing me the plate with a generous portion of food.
The conversation flows naturally. My father mentions that an old coworker contacted him to talk about a project, but he is not sure whether to take a break or keep working at the same pace. My mother, cheerful as always, responds:
—You never know when to stop. You have to take advantage of the calm! —she says with a smile, but her tone has that mix of concern that only a mother knows how to express.
"That's what everyone tells me," my father replies, taking a sip of water, "but sometimes I feel like there's never a good time to stop."
Suddenly, my mother changes the subject, with her usual light tone.
—Lian, have you thought about what you're going to do after school? Any plans for the future?
My father, who has been silent for a moment, watches me while my mother asks the question. It's rare for him to talk much about those topics, but when he does, he's direct.
—The important thing is that you choose something that gives you stability. It's not always about what you're most passionate about, but about what will make you feel good in the long run.his voice is calm, but you can tell he says it with conviction.
My mother nods, but she gives me a smile that, although slight, conveys her unconditional support.
—You have all the time in the world, darling. Whatever you choose, we will be here to support you.
My mother's words echo in my mind. Sometimes it's easy to forget, but I know he says it from the heart. In the midst of his energy, She always has time to make sure we feel supported.
The dinner takes place in that calm and familial atmosphere. A couple of jokes, some laughter that makes the air feel lighter. The topics change, but the feeling of being at home, with them, never disappears.
When we finish, I get up and, after a brief exchange of words, I climb the stairs slowly, the soft sound of my footsteps accompanying the silence of the house. Upon arriving in my room, I close the door behind me and collapse onto the bed, staring at the ceiling.
Today was a calm day, almost routine, and although I don't mind it, I always feel a bit more alert after a day like this. With a slight exhalation, I close my eyes for a moment. I find it easy to focus on the small details, like the way everything fits into its place, the faint murmur coming from the half-open window.
My ability, "analysis," has never made me feel like I'm someone out of the ordinary, although sometimes I'm surprised at how easily things stick with me. It's not just memory, it's a deep, almost intuitive understanding of anything I study. It's as if everything has an underlying logic that I just need to discover, and once I do, everything falls into place. It can be anything: a mathematical formula, a passage from a book, or even how to improve a strategy in a game. I analyze it, I break it down, and everything becomes clear.
Somehow, I have always had an ease for seeing patterns and understanding things quickly. Math was never a challenge for me, nor were the complicated problems. I'm not worried that my ability isn't as flashy or spectacular as others. I know it has its own value, and that's enough for me.
I lie down a little more, letting my mind wander between the day's memories and scattered thoughts. The tranquility of my life allows me to move forward, with each step clear and without the need for complications.