As time passed, the ordinary days seemed to speed by without anyone noticing, especially after the headache of sorting out breakfast had been dealt with.
Life here was now hardly any different from going to school on an ordinary day.
The only real difference was probably the surroundings.
Even after spending quite some time here, they still knew deep down that modern homes and facilities were the places best suited to students like them, who were used to the conveniences of city life.
The smart devices everywhere and the comfortable living spaces felt far more familiar and suitable than this seemingly natural woodland setting.
According to a normal school schedule, Saturday should have been a day off, free for them to spend as they pleased. They wouldn't have to rush to morning classes or face piles of schoolwork, and could do whatever they wanted.
But at Forest School, everyone had to finish a morning of lessons before earning their Free Activity time.
The morning woods still held a lingering chill. The air was filled with the fresh scent of grass and trees, but this natural beauty did little to make these students, accustomed to city life, feel attached to the place.
Following the routine they had long since established, everyone began their meditation practice in an orderly fashion. What had initially struck many as a dull, pointless activity had become second nature after day upon day of practice.
It had taken only a few short days to go from stiff, awkward postures to calm and steady ones.
Without unnecessary conversation, everyone quietly settled into their practice.
As soon as the signal marked the end of meditation, they rose in an orderly fashion and headed for the classroom.
The morning classes proceeded as usual...
Knowledge they had encountered at school was