Chapter 1After the Finals: The Smiling Valedictorian and the Crying Slacker

Right after the final AP exams, a local news reporter interviewed the first student to walk out of the testing center.

While the school’s top student smiled at the camera and said this year’s questions weren't too hard, I walked out right behind him, my face pale, clutching my stomach, and wiping away tears.

This starkly contrasting image was screenshotted by netizens and became the internet’s newest viral meme for exam season: "The Smiling Valedictorian and the Crying Slacker."

The comments section was ruthless: "The smiling nerd in the front is so handsome, and the crying slacker in the back really knows how to put on a tragic show."

Me: Gee, thanks a lot. Y'all are so sweet for complimenting my crying skills.

* * *

During the two days of our final exams, my period hit me like a truck.

After the very last subject, my classmates couldn't wait to throw a massive senior wrap party.

Because I was in agonizing pain, I skipped it.

As a result, a rumor spread like wildfire that I had bombed the exams so badly I had a mental breakdown and couldn't even show my face at the party.