Chapter 6: Boundaries and Breaks

                                    

                                          
The next day, Kinga and Pelmo showed up in class quite obviously tired. Dark circles were slight beneath their eyes, and the movements of the two were a bit slow, most definitely a sure sign of exhaustion. The intense practice involved for the return show and late-night study sessions were starting to take their toll.
The bell ringing for the break, Kinga turned to Pelmo, stifling a yawn. "Hey, let's go get something from the cafeteria," he suggested.
Pelmo nodded, eyes half-closed, muffling her words, "Yeah, I need something to wake me up," rubbing her eyes. They both shuffled on out of the classroom, joining the throngs of other students heading for the cafeteria.
Kinga and Pelmo entered the cafeteria, looked for a quick pick-me-up on the shelves. A couple of cold bottles of water and some chips caught their eyes. Kinga picked up a bottle of water and handed one to Pelmo; he nodded in gratitude. Each went to choose a bag of chips-Kinga with spicy chili and Pelmo with classic salted.
Quick and easy," Kinga said, holding up the snacks.
Pelmo chuckled softly. "Yeah, and we don't have much time left before the next class.
They went to the cashier, paid quickly, and forthwith started heading back to class. Along the hallways, students were sprawled all over the place: some still eating their lunch, others frantically completing their assignments. Kinga still felt drowsiness clinging to him, but the cold water in his hand helped wake him up a bit.
Pelmo unscrewed the cap of her bottle and took a long sip from it. "Hope that the coming class will not be so demanding," she said, her tone still giving away the slight tiredness.
Kinga nodded in acceptance. "Same here. Just need to get through this and then we can call it a day."
By the time they reached their classroom, they slipped in quietly to make their way to the back of their seats. The room was already starting to fill up again as the break came to a close. Kinga dropped his bag onto his desk, then tossed his chips onto it.
Pelmo did the same, plopping herself into her chair. "At least we're prepared now," she said with a grin, shaking her bag of chips lightly.
Kinga smiled back and said, "Yeah, nothing like a little snack to get through the day. Ready for round two?"
Pelmo nodded resolutely. "Bring it on."
With that, they sat down, ready to take on whatever the next class would bring-in with their water, chips, and just that much more energy than previously.
The ringing of the bell marked the beginning of another module. Kinga and Pelmo prepared themselves to face it. It was Orientation to College Learning this time, OCL, on the roster, taken by Madam Sonam. The door opened, and Madam Sonam entered with her characteristic warm smile, looking around the room until her eyes rested on Kinga. She nodded a little, which he returned nervously.
"Good afternoon, everyone!" said Madam Sonam energetic. "Today, we are going to discuss a very important topic: making boundaries in life."
Kinga tried to be attentive while she started her lecture. Madam Sonam went on explaining the importance of setting personal and professional boundaries for maintaining balance in life and well-being. The words were gushing out with ease as she captured the room.
After a few minutes of interactive discussion, Madam Sonam said, "Now I want you all to break into groups. I will assign them myself-so listen carefully."
Kinga felt his heart sink a little. He looked across to Pelmo, seated a couple of rows away from him. By the look on her face, he knew she too was worried. They had so hoped to be in the same session today so that they could support each other through the brainstorming and discussion sessions, knowing just how well they worked together. But there was little likelihood of them being in the same group now.