This isn't usual Tuesday. This is the end. It's graduation day. High school finally finishes. In a few more months, the college will start. Freedom at last. New experiences. First real steps into adult life.

"Robin, are you up already?", I hear mom calling me from downstairs.

"Yes, I'll be down in a minute."

I quickly finish preparations, put on school outfit for the last time, and head downstairs.

"Where is Dad?"

"Sorry hon, but he got called to work for some emergency."

"But he works in a research lab. Why would they have any emergencies? Especially on my graduation day."

"I know, it's weird. But they wouldn't call him if it was something actually urgent."

Dad's job at Mergogen might not be glorious, but at least he has time to always make breakfasts. I don't remember where was the last time he had to be at work that early.

We quickly finish breakfast, and Mom calls for auto-car.

After an unusually long time, auto-car finally arrives.

"I can't believe that the auto-car is two minutes late."

Mom starts reminiscing, "You have that easy. When I was your age, we had to drive cars ourselves."

"Yes, and you used cash. Implant really solved many little problems."

"And to think that there are still some people who don't want to use them."

Without Implant, you cannot function in society. The Implant works as an ID and keeps your Score. There is no cash anymore as well. Fortunately, those without The Implant can live as they want in their enclaves and not bother sane, modern people.

The ride to school doesn't take much time, Mom's tells (again) one of her stories about how bad it was when people where still allowed to drive cars. Yep, it's so much better now, when the Companies took over this boring and previously dangerous task. Mom's story got cut short when we arrived at school.

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At the school entrance I see Mary waving at me, "Robin, you're here."

I smile at her, "Oh, you arrived earlier than me today."

"Yep. Dad got called to work so the breakfast was cut short."

"Oh, mine was as well. I wonder what is happening. I was surprised that there might actually be a reason that he would be called in."

"We will probably know when they come back from work."

Yep, our Dads were colleagues. Same lab, working on some power things. I remember from history class, that this was a big problem a not that long ago when we still burned things for power.

As we walk towards the gym, more classmates appear. I'm gonna miss them. At least some of them.

Most of my class will go to local collages or start working. I was quite lucky to get into a technical college. There are not many of them obviously. Fortunately, I have enough talent and Score to get into virtual art major.

The ceremony is slightly boring, as expected. The principal gave his usual speech about the importance of The Score. We all know this already. We all know The Score. Although Score was invented by the Empire, it was actually quite a good idea. But why does our Principal have to repeat the same speech on all occasions? Not to say that other speeches were any more interesting.

Luckily, the ceremony comes to the end and I can now say that high school is now really officially over.

Should I stay for a few more goodbyes or just find Mom. I've promised with Mary to meet tomorrow, so there is not really anything left to do here anymore.

As I'm trying to spot Mom, the feeling of dread overcame me. After a few deep breaths, I look around and it seems like I'm not the only one affected. Then, a large blast of light came through the window followed by a loud explosion. What is happening?