We spent most of the rest of class just copying down text from the textbooks—my absolute most hated thing to do. I could never fathom why just reading from, or studying the text wasn't good enough. Nevertheless, my high spirits persisted throughout and I charged ahead with hand-copying the pages we were instructed to onto my notebook.

Afterward, the teacher was feeling merciful for once so she allowed us to spend the last ten minutes of class chilling out. I decided to make the most out of that time by once again listlessly gazing out the window. While I was thoroughly enjoying myself, however, I felt a quick tap on...