In the morning, I almost convinced myself that everything that had happened was a bad dream. It turned out not to be difficult. When you, yesterday's student with honors, are shown the other side of life, you don't have time to get used to it. Not for the first time. It’s just not clear whether such tests temper you or destroy you.

The dress is neatly laid out on a chair, a diamond collar over a gray satin - the same as the rainy day outside. I want to consider it in detail, but I have no right to relax. I run to the shower, perform pleasant morning rituals -...