"Ugh." Tomi ripped the page straight out of her notebook, crumpled the paper, and threw it aside. It felt good to do this, a nice release of frustration that let all the tension out at once. School was actually, finally, very difficult for her, and it had just started. She thrived under the pressure and her mind was spinning with ideas. But also, her hand was cramping and she had pages and pages left to dissect. She decided then and there that she needed a break.
It was late evening. Forty-five minutes after her outburst, Tomi stepped out of her apartment in a sleek dress and tall boots, purse draped over one shoulder. She walked with purpose toward downtown. A drink or two, dancing, some nice conversation, then back to her homework. That's what she told herself as she stepped into Nyxx. The pulse of music enveloped her and she sighed, leaving her responsibilities outside. Tomi made her way to the side of the bar nearest the dancefloor and slid into a seat.