“To develop a complete mind:
Study the science of art;
Study the art of science.
Learn how to see.
Realize that everything connects to everything else.”
    - Leonardo Da Vinci

The sharp drill of the morning alarm bell startles me so badly that I nearly tumble out of my bunk. I had been dreaming. When I gather myself and look up, Vittoria is watching me. She’s fully dressed, her long blond hair combed and formed into a neat bun atop her head. 
“What’s wrong with you.” Again, it’s an observation, almost an accusation, not a question.
“It just startled me is all. Must have been in a REM cycle.” I can’t admit I was dreaming. Non-Variants don’t dream. I rise and fold my bed cover into a tig...

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