A new day has begun, the second one. After that delicious Indian dinner, we haven't done much last night. We have all retreated in our rooms to relax. Today, however, we have to make up for it. We should try doing something together, such as watching a movie.

After brushing my teeth and getting dressed for the day, I head to the kitchen, where Brianna is already making breakfast. "Good morning," she says, still yawning. "How was your night?"

"I felt like sleeping on a cloud. I can't believe this is real—like, pinch me!" I burst into laughter. "Okay, just kidding. You don't have to punch me. What are you making, by the way? I can help you if you want."

"Oh, don't worry, I'm almost done. Maybe you can check there are enough plates and cups for everyone." Good idea. Making sure the mise en place is up to par is crucial. A neatly set table can make or break a meal, especially with five people sitting.

The others reach us one by one. Of course, Anton and Kat have turned it again into a race. This time, it's the latter who has a slight edge. She gives him the L, but he just shrugs it off. I exclaim, "Guys! Haven't you had enough? Like, come on, chill out!"

"It's not my fault if he sees everything as a competition," is Kat's reply; however, judging by her wide smile, she doesn't sound serious. Never mind.

Lindsey is the last to come, with a slower, more measured pace. Nonetheless, she's the first to take a seat, followed by Kat, then Anton and Brianna. I sit last because I offer to serve the others first.

While we dig on pancakes and scrambled eggs, Brianna casually states, "Hmm... This project is a little weird, don't you think?"

"What do you mean?" replies Kat. "I mean, its concept is quite literal. Twenty days of freedom. It's not like there's anything wrong with it."

Brianna insists. "Trust me, there is something suspicious. I can't be the only one who sees it-"

Kat harshly cuts her off. "Save it! We're supposed to enjoy ourselves, yet all you can do is being an unbearable spoil sport. Stop!"

I raise a hand to avoid the start of a fight. "Both of you, let's just enjoy ourselves, okay? Fighting is pointless." I change topic to soften the atmosphere. "By the way, Brianna, these scrambled eggs are delicious! Will you share the recipe with us one day?"

She blushes. "Well, it's a family secret... I don't think I can share it." Okay, never mind. If this is the case, then I should respect her will. I won't insist on that and just dig on the delicious food.

When everyone is done with breakfast, I stay behind to wash up and clean the kitchen. The others bolt out in a matter of a minute, not bothering checking if they have left anything behind. For example, Lindsey has forgotten her phone here in the kitchen. I stuff it in my pocket; I'll hand it to her when I find her upstairs.

I finish my chores and can finally reach the others. They have returned to the common room upstairs where we played pool yesterday. I give Lindsey's phone back to her. "You forgot it downstairs. Here it is." She gently snatches it from me; then, she starts dialing a number and dashes out of the room. I don't think I want to know what's going on.

Meanwhile, the rest of us take seats on the poufs. Kat reprises the topic she and Brianna briefly argued about during breakfast. "What do you think about what Brianna said?" she asks, earning a pointed glare from the directly interested.

"What? You know I've made a valid point, Kat. There's something wrong here. Can't you see it?" Personally, if Brianna asked me straight away, I wouldn't be able to give a convincing answer to this question.

"And what about how we were chosen?" adds Anton. "At first, I didn't even expect to end up with you... Well, I appreciate your company, girls, it's just that it was a surprise to me."

"Same," I answer. "Do you remember when we met out of the entrance gate? I was in total shock! But, yeah, I was pleased. I wonder what criteria POTENTIAL+ took into account to choose us all."

"What matters is that we're all here having our best time." I like Kat's approach. Direct, it comes across the point without too many twists and turns. I also appreciate how she maintains an optimistic mindset.

On the other hand, I also understand Brianna's concerns. Usually, this kind of opportunity comes with risks. So far, we've only seen the positive aspects of twenty days of total freedom. I don't know if anyone is ready to face potential curveballs. As long as we get through this together, we'll be able to overcome everything that gets on our way. At least, what's in the house.

Our personal matters are a completely different story. It takes a lot more time to sort them out. Twenty days are not enough to find the ultimate solution to our problems; however, they're a perfect test for the future.

"You know, guys, how things with my parents are. We fight a lot, can barely stand each other." Bringing those two up evokes painful memories of mine. I know this might not be the right place to open up about my dysfunctional family, but I want to get that burden off my chest once for all.

"This project, to me, is a sort of escape. To get away from them, their toxicity, their dangerous expectations. They've never accepted as I am." The moment I pronounce this sentence, Lindsey rejoins us. Her face is as pale as a ghost. Something terrible must've happened. I hope this doesn't mean her journey through this project is already over.

She apologizes for the disruption. "Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb. Okay, I sound pathetic, I know. What were you talking about, Silla, by the way?" Brianna frowns at her, while I nod.

"Don't worry, Lindsey," I answer. "I was telling the others what I feel about these twenty days of freedom. Don't you think they're a sort of escape from a harsh reality, too?"

"Yeah. Kind of. Anyway, who wants to play darts?" She points at a dart board on the wall opposite the pool table. We all decide to join and take turns playing. My score is very good. I gain a thousand points. The others shower me with compliments.

After a whole hour and a half, we stop playing. We sit back for a snack after Anton finds a cupboard where bags of chips and sweet treats are stacked. He passes the food items to the rest of us, except for the Cheetos, which he keeps for himself.

"Hey! I wanted them, too!" Kat, as soon as she eyes them, tries to snatch the purple bag from him, only to fail. She makes do with a bag of Doritos.

Between one treat and another, our conversation focuses again on the main purpose of the project. In particular, I ask, "What do you think the goal is? I don't think it's merely about breaking free. There has to be more, I'm sure."

"Why so?" replies Anton. "Why should there be rules? Freedom is about doing what one wants, isn't it?"