The tall windows of the Hartland University library glowed with daylight, specks of dust flitting about like fireflies in the beams. The atmosphere within was a quiet one, as anyone would reasonably expect. However, compared to the tense silence of exam season, the start-of-loop library felt fairly relaxed and peaceful.

Hidden amidst the towering bookshelves, at one of the far tables in the corner, Kaitlyn tapped away at her laptop's keyboard. A spreadsheet full of company names and information filled her screen, occasionally disappearing as she checked through another one of the many browser tabs she had open in the background.

Leaning back in her chair with a sigh, she gently massaged her aching neck. Geez. This table's way too low for this. It's got me all hunched over…

Rolling her shoulders, she glanced around for a solution. A few thick tomes snatched from a nearby bookshelf seemed to do the trick, elevating her laptop until it was at eye level. The change made it a little more awkward to type, but it was worth it.

I'll put them back after. Promise.

With that problem solved, she settled back into her latest project: researching software jobs.

Between her experiences in this world and the countless times she'd attended Hartland University's career fair, Kaitlyn felt like she had a great variety of options to start from. She was familiar with not only the major players in the industry, but many of the smaller startups and more niche groups as well. However, just because there were a lot of options didn't mean that they would all fit her needs.

After all, I have some pretty specific requirements, here.

Kaitlyn frowned at the job postings for a company called Penta. There, buried between a wishlist of "ideal candidate" attributes that ranged between generic fluff and borderline unachievable, was that dreaded line—"in person only."

A quick check of the place's address confirmed what she'd already expected. It was far away, too far away to practically commute on a regular basis. Even if she could somehow convince her dormmates to give her a ride a few times, doing that day after day and week after week would quickly get old.

I might be able to bribe them with food, of course, but even that would get pretty tricky. There's only a couple people with cars, and they've got lives and classes, too. So I really don't think it's sustainable.

Flicking back to her spreadsheet, Kaitlyn added a note for Penta's entry. The row highlighted in red to indicate that it wouldn't be a viable option. There were a disappointing amount of those filling her screen. Luckily, they didn't represent all of the companies she'd looked into.

She continued her search, combing through job descriptions and tapping in details as they surfaced. Initially, she'd figured that an internship would be easier to land and a slightly better fit for her particular needs. However, that idea had quickly been shut down. Most of those positions were specifically for the summertime, too far in the future to be of any real use. As strange as it felt, current open job postings were really her best bet for scoring something in the short term.

Occasionally, the papery flap of a page turning or the dull scrape of a chair across carpeted floors carried across the space. The quiet sounds brought into sharp relief how empty the library really was. It was almost enough to feel oppressive. However, Kaitlyn stayed, not quite ready to head back to the dorms just yet.

I don't really need to be here. But I could really use a change of scenery sometimes. I'm afraid I'll just run back and forth between the dorm and lab the whole loop if I let myself.

Eventually, she sat back and looked over her work. A list of ten different software companies sat before her—the shortlist of viable options. Scanning through them once again, Kaitlyn nodded to herself with approval.

Alright. This seems like a good place to start.

Not all of them were guaranteed to be a good fit, of course. Whether or not she could actually land any of these positions was another matter entirely. However, this list was far more manageable to tackle than what she'd started with.

Now I've just gotta start reaching out.

She transferred the shortlist of company names over to her Notes app for safekeeping. Even if she didn't manage to cover everything this time, the app's ability to keep information between loops would allow her to avoid duplicating her efforts. She had to clear a bit of space to fit everything, due to the small character limit, but that was alright. She could always reorganize at the end of the loop.

As she worked, a low grumble sounded from her stomach. Looking down at the time, Kaitlyn winced slightly. Wow. Ok, I've been at this for a bit too long. The resume can wait. Time to take a break.

Tucking away her laptop, she shouldered her backpack and stood. Today was Friday, which meant Cappy's had noodle bowls. The things weren't too great on their own, but with the arsenal of seasonings she kept on her? They made for great comfort food.

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

One of these days, I'll have to try making some soft-boiled eggs and marinating them myself. It just doesn't feel right to eat noodles without them. Though, at that point, I might as well just make my own bowls for Kate's Kitchen…

As new recipe ideas swam through her mind, Kaitlyn headed out the library's sliding glass doors. The software jobs could wait another day or two. She had all the time in the world.

***

The sound of sneakers slapping against the pavement echoed through the early morning stillness. A cold breeze rustled the trees and rose bushes to either side of the path, the gentle sound interspersed with quiet birdsong from unseen sources.

As Kaitlyn ran, the same breeze nipped at her cheeks and nose. Her breaths came in short, controlled bursts, their rhythmic pattern almost meditative in its consistency.

In, in, out... In, in, out…

In truth, she would have preferred to start running much later in the morning, once it had warmed up a bit more. However, there were other factors to consider. The later in the day it got, the more people were up and about for classes and other activities. It meant she had to do a lot more dodging and weaving and generally watching where she went. That meant it was harder to really lose herself in her thoughts. By the time nine o'clock rolled around, she might as well have been navigating through a maze.

I can't believe it gets crowded so early. But it's fine. The cold helps wake me up in the morning. Besides, it's a great way to start off the day.

She'd never been an early riser, and in the past Kaitlyn would have balked at the idea of waking up at the crack of dawn. Especially for exercise, of all things. But still, here she was.

Her route today took her past red-brick lecture halls, the glass-ceilinged Bara Ballroom, and the familiar U-shaped structure of Cappy's Cafe. Everywhere she went, small handfuls of sleepy-eyed students milled about, each trying to get an early start on the day with varying degrees of success.

Some of them do seem pretty awake, to be fair. But it's only a few weeks in. They'll start dropping pretty quick as midterms roll up.

As she ran, Kaitlyn considered all that she'd accomplished during this loop. The list was pretty impressive. Despite being a "rest" loop, she had managed to get a surprising amount of progress done with her research, not to mention Kate's Kitchen. Her other hobbies and go-to activities—practicing piano, working at Chella's, and improving her own personal recipes—had been going well, too. Between those and her efforts at finding a software job, Kaitlyn was feeling pretty good about things so far.

Seriously. I don't even feel like I'm overly stressed about this stuff, either. I'm just… comfortable. I'm feeling good.

The thought felt… odd, somehow. Wrong. It took her a moment to realize why.

Dang. I guess I am bouncing back awfully fast this time, huh?

A pang of guilt shot through her. It wasn't like she'd forgotten about Ian. Losing him had hurt, just like it had with Philip and Alex. And yet, she'd be lying if she said that it felt the same.

I… I guess I finally am getting used to this, maybe? Is that a good thing? Or should I be worried about that? Am I becoming too distant?

She rounded a corner and slowed to a walk. The East dorms loomed ahead of her, the tall brick building affecting a sleepy appearance due to all of the closed blinds and windows. It took a moment for her breaths to slow and return to normal. The start of the loop was always the hardest for running because of how her body reset. Still, the techniques she'd learned helped to keep her from simply keeling over and feeling like death the entire time.

…I think it's a good thing, she finally decided. At least, I hope it is. He meant a lot to me, and I do miss him. I really do. But is it such a bad thing to be able to let go? I mean, especially when I knew it was coming…

Of course, there was always the possibility that she was simply in denial. The real test would come when she saw him again, either at a Bash Bros tournament or elsewhere. That wouldn't be a big deal if she was truly handling things well, would it?

Her slowing heart rate spiked up again at the thought.

…Ok, maybe I'm not QUITE over him yet. Rest loop protocols are still in full effect, here.

She laced her fingers behind her head and made one more loop around the building. It felt a little overkill, but she knew better than to push herself too hard at this point. Maybe in a few weeks she'd cut down on the walking time.

Ok. Almost there. One more stretch to go, then I'll head back to the West dorms and take a shower. I'm kind of feeling oatmeal for breakfast today…

As she planned out the rest of her day, a flicker of motion caught Kaitlyn's eye. She nearly ignored it, getting ready to restart her jog, before a female voice rang out from the same direction.

"Excuse me!"

She looked over in surprise. Is someone talking to me? Why—

Her thoughts screeched to a sudden halt.

The source of the voice was a tall, dark-skinned and incredibly athletic girl. Her tightly-curled black hair was bound in a loose ponytail behind her, a couple of loose strands framing a set of petite and delicate features and a warm smile. A warm, all-too-familiar smile.

The girl's ponytail bounced merrily as she jogged towards Kaitlyn. The girl wore a rather light t-shirt and running shorts, despite the chilly morning, just like she was. It made complete sense, considering that she was probably on her way to practice.

"Hello!" Rachel greeted her with a light wave as her dark eyes sparkled. "I hope I'm not interrupting..."