The next morning, Sister Cora comes by my room at the break of dawn just as promised, knocking quietly at my door to wake me up.
She brews coffee on the stove in the upstairs kitchenette while I shower, brush my teeth, and rush to change into my school uniform. The girl’s bathrooms and showers are through one of the numerous wooden doors around the perimeter of the circular, central common room.
I’m relieved that I’m up so much earlier than everyone else - it would feel so awkward carrying my towel and toiletries bag and change of clothes past anyone sitting in the common room.
That settles it. As long as I’m living in this tower, I’ll always only shower early in the morning or late at late when everyone else is asleep.
Once I’m changed into my school uniform - a grey tartan skirt,
