Suddenly, Mimi feels a surge of pity for Kayla

Eight days.

That means just over one week to cram: Chumash and Navi and Tefillah and Historiah and….

Mimi presses both hands to her temples. How? How is it even going to be possible? Who even dreamed up the idea of this dumb seminary test to begin with? How is anyone supposed to study for all their Hebrew subjects, all at the same time?

To top it all off, Tova’s scheduling gymnastics sessions almost every day for those who are starring in the performance, which is scheduled just a few days after the seminary test. She’s not complaining about her role in the gymnastics performance, and honestly, practicing is what gives her the energy to keep studying, but there’s no denying that it’s a lot.

And Kayla’s ideas about studying, while definitely thorough, are also… intense.

At least today, her friends will be joining. Mimi’s spirits lift a little: Ella and Tzippy and Shoshana, they’ll make it fun. Even with Kayla leading the session.

Kayla knocks twice and enters. She looks surprised to see Mimi alone at her desk.

“Where are your friends? Didn’t we schedule the session for now?”

It’s 5:00. Like, and zero seconds.

“I’m sure they’re coming,” Mimi tells her. “Let’s give them a few minutes, okay?”

“But that’s a waste of time,” Kayla objects, shaking her head. “I tell everyone who books a study session that they absolutely must ensure punctuality. Otherwise, everyone’s schedule gets delayed, and that is unfair to those of us who do make it on time.”

“I don’t mind five minutes or so,” Mimi says.

Kayla frowns. “At the very least, we should use the time to our advantage,” she says. “Let’s prepare a study schedule for our sessions, for the rest of the time we have until the test.”

“A schedule?” Mimi repeats. She’s never done that, that’s so… Kayla.