Drinking wasn't my thing. I had nothing against alcohol, mind you. It just didn't appeal to me. So when I got an invitation to join my fellow staff members on a boat for some cheap conversation and even cheaper booze (courtesy of Empress Puffin), I declined.

Sure, I'd have enjoyed shooting the breeze with Sumiki, Sisen, Bfahome, and whoever else happened to show up. My dilemma was a matter of responsibility though. It'd been five years since I finished high school and I finally had started on the track towards attending a college. A tour had been experienced, applications were sent, and all that was left was the matter of an Immunization Form and an Accuplacer test to take.

"No," I told myself. "It's been too long since I finished school. If I want to make sure I get a good enough score on this thing, I'd better stay home and study."

It was a hard decision to make, but it's the sort of decision that builds character, right?

Besides, I'm sure everybody else is having a grand old time. They're probably so kicked-back, relaxed, and enjoying themselves right now, I doubt they even notice I'm not there.