Hanister lied on the bed, reading the letter in her hands. It was actually only a piece of printer paper, the letter was printed as well.

In consideration of security, the S.D.A forbids them from bringing in personal communication devices into the base. They would only have access to the outside world through public phone booths or the official mailing system. It was a machine set in open space. It resembles a terminal machine, but it could only be used for typing. Anyone with an identification code can send or receive mail through this machine. However, there were rumors about how the S.D.A would 'consult' the mails on the machine without consent; in order to ensure that no information was being leaked or that people with bad intentions were conspiring with someone outside of the organization, causing chaos.

When Hanister had just joined, the senior officers had also informed them multiple times. She never really cared, the messages she exchanges with her mother are always just chit-chats. She could have just called back, but she might not be able to stop herself after she starts speaking. Besides, they can print the contents on the mailing machine down. Although it costs a small amount of change, it is still much cheaper compared to using the phone booth.

... Don't worry about Beth, or Mrs.Botti They couldn't have been more elated after you've left.

Hanister read, she could not help but chuckled at the lines. Beth was one of the hens they kept in the backyard. She had named all of them. Mrs.Botti, on the other hand, was an old cattle. She had been with them ever since when Hanister's dad was still around. She left in a hurry that day, not having the time to give each of them her farewells.

... I've managed to learn a new recipe for pancakes.

The girl continued reading.

It's the original ingredients with a teeny bit of cinnamon and cocoa powder. I even bought an entire bucket of maple syrup. Oops, my bad. I forgot that you won't be able to taste it there.

A huge grin spread across Hanister's face. The jocular words and lines reassured her greatly. She was a little concerned about how her mother might be worried without her by her side at first, but it seemed like she was living quite complacently. Her mother was not always an optimistic, all laughter and banter kind of person. For some time after her father had passed, Hanister had never seen her smile. She seemed to be absent-minded even when she was working.

Until one day, Hanister got hurt. She went to where the accident happened, and carelessly tripped into a ditch. She thought she could see her father again, but she was wrong.

That day, she realized that her father was really gone. And it was that day that her mother started to pull herself together. Hanister does not know how to describe her relationship with her mother. Sometimes, they are the typical type of mother and daughter, sometimes they are like sisters. It did not matter because after all, they have been through all sorts of ups-and-downs, crises and obstacles.

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I love you, Hanister.

The girl stopped at the last line on the letter. She placed down the letter, then lied flat on the bed. This was not the first time she had heard those words from her mother. However, through actual words, they seem to carry much more.

Hanister stared at the ceiling in the dorm, unrelievable feelings tumbled deep inside of her. It was around another half an hour until lights out. She knew that she had to climb off the bed and do her nightly wash-up, but she really did not have the energy to do so. After the evening classes were over, she was eager to sprint to the mailing machine in order to check her mail; then she returned to her dorm to read it.

It has been around a month since the training session started. Hanister was just like everyone else. Her days were filled with classes and general training. She adapted fast and has started to recognize and learn those unfamiliar faces, especially her roommates. Unfortunately, Gadina was still resisting her attempts of intimacy. However, after the event that happened at the shooting range, she had stopped being so toxic constantly.

Maybe she doesn't dislike me that much anymore?

Hanister thought, then sat up on the bed. She poked her head out from the bed frame, wanting to check if Gadina was there. Sadly, there was no one in the lower bunk.

Hanister lifted her head, only to see that Gadina was standing next to the entrance of the dorm. She was chatting with a girl—Sally. She recognized her, but didn't realize that she was that close with Gadina.

Sally is a petite and shy girl. She doesn't speak much, but her training performances were not bad at all. Gadina and Sally stood there talking for a while, before both of them left the dorm room.

You should go look for someone who’s as mad as you are.

Hansiter frowned, suddenly remembering what Gadina had said to her before. On certain aspects, she understands that every soldier that served under the S.D.A must have their own reasons. On the other hand, she could not understand how this should determine whether or not one could get along with another; especially after Lieutenant Miranda had asked them to treat each other with the spirit of unity.

Hanister thought as she carefully folded the letter and tucked it under her pillow, next to the picture of her and her father. In her past experiences, the interaction between people never seemed to get this complicated, nor does she need to beat around the bush that much. But the life she had in the crops section is certainly different from the lives people have in the metropolises.

Maybe for them, this is normal.

She thought, recalling that Gadina had said she was from Rodenzel.

Don't believe in pure coincidences, Hanister.

She suddenly remembered what her father used to say the most when he was still alive. She realized later on that the meaning behind the phrase is to urge her to always be skeptical, and try and get to the bottom of things. She watched as Gadina and Sally left, and hesitated for a second. She then decided to hop off the bed and walk out of the dorm room entrance.