Soon enough, the usual knock resounds from the front door. For the first time, however, I hesitate before getting up and heading to answer it. I feel each footstep reverberate within my chest, my pulse pounding in my head. Steady as a timer on a bomb about to go off. The issue is I don't know what will happen when the timer goes off. Will a net filled with balloons and streamers release, or will destruction and despair lay waste?
As a naturally anxious person, I always hated tests. It wasn't just the concern of failure; it was the anticipation. And here I am, opening the door for my friendly proctor before the biggest test of my life.
"Good morning, Ali," Mrs. Santiago greets me, sweet as a marshmallow. Completely unaware of the panic rushing through my veins. "How are you feeling today?
