Can't run from Midterms

Ray headed to school, still feeling a bit sore from his injuries but determined to carry on. As he walked through the hallways, he saw his best friend Don and made his way over to him.

"Hey man, what's up?," Don greeted him with a surprised look on his face as he noticed the bruises on Ray's body. "Dude, did you get into a fight or something?"

Ray knew he couldn't tell Don the truth, so he just smiled innocently and said, "Yesterday's job was rough, that's all."

Don looked skeptical but decided not to press the matter. He knew that Ray was lying to him, but he didn't want to ruin their friendship by prying into something that Ray clearly didn't want to talk about.

"What kind of job makes you beat up like this, man?," Don asked with a chuckle, trying to lighten the mood.

Ray just laughed along and decided to change the subject. "So, did I miss anything interesting at school?," he asked, trying to steer the conversation away from his injuries.

Don shook his head, "Nah, just the usual stuff. But let's hang out later and catch up, you could use some fun distraction, and I could use some company"

Just as Ray and Don were about to continue their conversation, a voice interrupted them, "You ran out on us yesterday, Ray, so you better be staying back today."

It was Fatima, She was a smart, confident, and beautiful Arab girl who always looked out for her friends. She gave Ray a stern look, letting him know she was not happy with him for leaving them yesterday.

Ray knew he couldn't come up with any more excuses, he had to face the fact that he needed to study for the upcoming mid-terms. "You're right, Fatima," he said with a sigh. "I'll stay behind and study with you guys today."

Fatima's expression softened, "Good, that's what I like to hear. We're in this together, and we're all counting on you to pass these mid-terms."

Ray knew she was right, and he felt a sense of determination to do well for his friends and for himself. He also couldn't help but notice how beautiful Fatima looked, even when she was scolding him. He smiled and nod to her, "Let's do this"

As the day progressed, Ray's science class began, and he could feel the weight of his upcoming mid-term exam bearing down on him. Science was never his strong suit, and he knew he needed to put in extra effort if he wanted to pass.

But as the class went on, he found himself struggling to keep up. The formulas and concepts that were being taught went over his head, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of anxiety building up inside of him.

After class, he met up with Fatima, Xie yi and Don and they decided to head to the library to study. Ray knew that he needed to focus on all his subjects, but he also knew that science was his weakest subject, and he was determined to work harder on it.

As they settled down at a table, Fatima, Xie yi and Don started to pull out their notes and textbooks, but Ray couldn't help but feel a sense of dread wash over him. He knew he was falling behind in science, and he didn't know if he would be able to catch up in time for the mid-term.

But he didn't let his doubts show, instead, he put on a brave face and started to review his notes. "Fatima, can you explain this formula again, I'm not quite getting it," Ray asked, with a note of frustration creeping into his voice.

Fatima sensing his anxiety, gave a reassuring smile, "Sure thing, Ray. Let me break it down for you step by step." And she started to guide him through the concept with clear and patient explanations, using examples and drawings to help him visualize the concept.

Xie yi and Don also chipped in, providing additional examples and insights, and together they worked through the problems and concepts.

The hours passed quickly as they studied,

As the group continued to study, the conversation gradually shifted away from the subject matter, and they started talking about their plans for after the mid-term exams were over.

"I can't wait for these exams to be over, I'm so ready for a break," Don exclaimed, stretching his arms.

Xie yi nodded in agreement, "Me too. I was thinking of maybe we all go watch a movie together and hang out, it will be a nice distraction."

Fatima's face lit up, "That's a great idea, and since my family owns a cool Arabic-style cafe, I'll treat you all to some delicious food there as well!"

The group chatted excitedly about their plans for the break, discussing the different movies they wanted to watch, the foods they wanted to try and the hangout spot they were planning to go.

Ray was hesitant at first, he knew he had to focus on the dangerous souls that were still roaming the city. But, he didn't want to disappoint his friends, they all deserve a break after all the hard work they put in studying.

"You know what, I'll join you guys," Ray said, a smile creeping on his face. "I'm looking forward to watching that movie and trying out that cafe."

His friends were overjoyed and grateful that he'll join them, "Great, that's settled then, let's all meet after the mid-term exam and we'll plan out the details" Fatima said.

As they wrap up their final revision , they are prepared for the midterms tomorrow … well except for Ray , he know he will definitely struggle with physics .