Alternative start: A student won a holiday trip

When you think about the past few weeks, you sometimes wonder if Lady Luck herself wanted to apologize to you for something. You were born into a working-class family and have never had it very easy in your life. From a very early age, you had to support your parents with part-time jobs and at the same time learn as much as possible to escape life as a low-paid worker. It was hard work to get accepted into a local middle-class college. But you did it. Now you are the first one in your family who is allowed to study and has the chance to get a great paid job.

You are 21 now. A few weeks ago, the final exams took place. And the dean told everyone in your class, that the main sponsor of the college, the Science Institute of Naruda (SIN), wants to reward the three best students with a free two-week vacation to Naruda. They do this every semester and the only condition for the winners is to visit the institute for one day. Likely to take some photos for public relations. You haven’t cared much. You only wanted to pass as good as possible to get accepted in a good university and because you had little contact with other students, you hadn’t known how good the others are. But you almost cried when the dean announced the three best students and your name was on place three.

Aside from a few camping trips and a week-long summer camp for kids, this is the first vacation you've ever had. Your parents, neighbors, and employer were all immediately in favor of you accepting this honor. You have helped others all your life, no one deserves it more than you. And so, it comes, that today in the morning, you give your parents a hug goodbye and head with a large suitcase and a backpack to the local airport. The SIN took care of flight tickets and hotel reservation.

You were a little lost at the security check, because it is the first time you use a plane, but a friendly security guard tells you everything necessary with remarkable patience. An hour later you sit in the plane. The row has three seats on your side. You have the one in the middle. You try to relax a little. This is so amazing. Your whole future looks bright. As one of the best students, you can almost freely choose your later university. And if you leave a good impression on the SIN, you can maybe work for them after you finish university.

“Oh, greetings,” a voice next to you says suddenly, “you must be the third winner. Nice to meet you.”

The person who spoke to you is a guy about your age. He is sporty, not bad looking and smiles friendly. Behind him stays a girl, also your age, slender, tanned and a little shy looking. You assume they must be the best and second-best Students. You remember taking your prize next to them on the stage. But you can’t remember their names. You were too overwhelmed.

“Yes, I am, nice to meet you too,” you reply shy and get up, “I’m sorry, but I’m afraid I forgot your names.”

“I’m Kyle, this is Jules,” the boy called Kyle answers friendly, “and who are you?”