I slept deeply that night; the morning bell coming just as the light emerged behind the white curtains. Esme took a shower first, using all the hot water. As a result, the light trickle of my own shower was barely warm. I dried off with the issued bath towel, dressed in the uniform, and walked to breakfast with girls in identical attire. It felt strange to look like everyone else, but the equality was also liberating. I walked with even steps even though the canvas boots pinched my toes into uncomfortable points. The air smelled like salt and algae, but the river was blocked by the mountain view.
Esme was having trouble with the dark-blue scarf we were supposed to wear over our hair. While we were standing in line waiting to enter the dining area through a set of double doors, I helped he
