The morning sun filtered through the blinds, casting stripes of light across Leon's bedroom. He woke not with a jolt, but with a quiet sense of purpose.
The 18% probability was the first thing that surfaced in his mind, a cold number in the warm morning light.
He swung his legs out of bed, the familiar floorboards cool beneath his feet, and headed straight for the kitchen.
A glass of water, then another. He felt the hydration seep into him, a small act of preparation for the monumental task ahead.
His mother was already up, humming softly as she prepared coffee. The aroma filled their small apartment, a comforting anchor in a world of pressure and expectation.
"Morning, sleepyhead," Elena said, not turning from the stove. "You have that look on your face. The one you get before a big exam."
Leon managed a small smile as he grabbed a piece of toast. "It's a pretty big exam today, Mom."
