The 6:00 AM alarm jolted the students from their sleep. Minutes later, the scent of breakfast—a warm medley of eggs, sausages, and roasted potatoes—hit Lucian's nose as he entered the massive, brightly lit cafeteria. But as he stepped deeper, the aroma couldn't mask the display of classism in the hall.
The room was a map of status. Bronze tables were shoved into the shadows at the far end. Silver sat in the middle, separated by a deliberate gap. Closest to the buffet stood the Gold tables, gleaming under the center lights. While everyone had basic eggs and toast, the Golds enjoyed a spread of fresh smoothies, grilled chicken, and protein bowls.
Lucian reached the Bronze line and picked up a flimsy plastic tray. The server didn't even look up.
"Bronze?"
"Yes."
A scoop of wet, plain egg
