Chapter 1
Alif: What time is it? Oh no, I’m late for school!
She rushes down the stairs after changing her clothes, washes her face, grabs some food from the fridge, and stuffs it into her bag before running out of the house.
Alif: Good morning, Miss Widad.
Widad: Good morning, my daughter. Slow down! Don’t run like that…
Alif arrives at school and knocks on her classroom door.
Teacher: Late as usual! Come in quickly.
She sits next to her friend, while Luka casts his usual piercing gaze at her.
The first lessons pass, and soon it’s break time.
Yuwan: You won’t believe what happened to me last night.
Alif: What happened?
Yuwan: Maruko sent me a message.
Alif: Oh my God! I can’t believe it. What did he send? And how did you respond?
Yuwan: He said, “Good evening,” but I didn’t reply.
Alif (disappointed): Why not, you fool?
Yuwan: I don’t know! Look at Luka. He’s definitely staring at you. He likes you.
Alif: Shut up! His stares make me feel like I’m some alien from Saturn… It’s creepy.
Yuwan laughs.
Yuwan: Do aliens really come from Saturn?
Alif: You’re ridiculous. Anyway, are you coming to my house today?
Yuwan: Of course! I was thinking we could hang out instead of staying home.
Alif: We’ll decide when you arrive.
The bell rings, signaling the end of the break and the start of the next lesson.
The teacher enters after greeting the students.
Teacher: Alif, please erase the board.
She walks toward the board, but suddenly freezes. All the students stare at her in confusion.
Alif feels her body lock up. Her head tilts slightly downward, and blood slowly trickles from her nose, then gushes from her mouth.
The students are shocked.
Yuwan screams: Are you okay?!
Alif looks at her, her eyes suddenly turning white, and collapses. The teacher rushes to catch her.
