I blink. “I assumed Tosu students were allowed to go home after they were told they didn’t pass.” Otherwise, why would their parents let them risk failing the exam? Or does the chance to be one of the country’s leaders mean that much to those who live here in Tosu City?

Raffe stands and walks toward the portrait. “They don’t go home, but everyone in Tosu City believes the unsuccessful applicants are assigned to jobs outside the city. I believed that. It’s what we’ve all been told, so why would I think any different? There are even people who swear they’ve heard from family members who were assigned jobs in the colonies. Important jobs working with new solar power technology or on innovative communication systems. I’ve heard friends of my parents brag about their child who has succeeded despite failing to pass the University entrance exam. Some have even mentioned it to Dr. Barnes in order to point out that he made a mistake grading the tests.”

“I don’t understand. If people have heard from their family members who have been assigned to colony jobs, then maybe the students really were sent there.” I want that to be true.

Raffe shakes his head. “You asked why I insisted on helping you. It’s because I learned that those letters aren’t real. That nothing I grew up believing is as it seemed.” He reaches out and touches the girl’s portrait. “My sister Emilie created most of these paintings, including this one. I asked her to make a portrait of herself for me to have after her application to take the University entrance exam was approved.”

He runs a finger over her long hair and lets his arm drop to his side. “Emilie never wanted to go to the University. She wanted to be an artist and work with one of the revitalization teams to make the city beautiful. But my father insisted she apply. The only way he would allow my mother to get Emilie art supplies was if her grades were the top in her class and she submitted an application. Emilie was smart, but she struggled with her homework, especially science. So I helped. When I didn’t understand something, I asked my teachers. Then Emilie and I would figure it out together.”

“She got accepted to take the entrance exam.”

“She did.” The words are filled with regret and pain. Raffe shoves his hands into his pockets and turns to face me. “My father was thrilled, and all the extra studying had me so far ahead that I was guaranteed a spot in my University class. Before Emilie began attending prep classes for the Early Studies exam, Dr. Barnes himself came to our house to inform me and my father that my teachers had recommended I apply to the University and take the Early Studies entrance exam a year early. I was ready to go, but Dr. Barnes believed I would do better if I had the extra year to develop my other talents. I was so proud knowing I was going to be able to attend the University like I’d always dreamed. Never once did I consider what could happen if I didn’t pass the entrance exams and get assigned to a field of study. It’s probably not surprising that I was too excited to sleep when I went to bed that night. So I went downstairs to get a drink and heard my father’s voice. Dr. Barnes and he were talking about some possible changes to the current education program in the city that would better prepare future University students so that a higher percentage would pass the Early Studies entrance exam.”

Raffe gives me a bitter smile. “Had I gone upstairs at that moment, I wouldn’t be talking to you now. I’d be pissed you’re so damn smart, and I’d be studying day and night to make sure my grades were better than yours.”

“I would’ve liked to see you try,” I say with a grin. The passionate way he talks reminds me of my brothers. Proud. Stubborn and strong in their convictions. Not always the easiest to work with, but people who would die before betraying what they believe. That thought comforts even as the strain in Raffe’s voice makes me ache with sympathy and dread.

“When this is over, I promise to give you a run for your money.” He walks over and sits back down in the chair across from me. The humor in his eyes fades as he says, “Things would have been easier had I gone back to my room, but I liked how important I felt listening to that kind of conversation. I was so busy imagining how it would feel when I was able to make decisions that changed the course of people’s lives that I almost missed what Dr. Barnes said next. He asked my father if he was sure he was willing to risk Emilie sitting for the entrance exams. If not, Dr. Barnes would allow her to back out of her acceptance. He assured my father that the list of accepted students had not yet been made public. Emilie could be removed without anyone being the wiser.”

“I’m surprised Dr. Barnes offered to let your sister step away from her application acceptance,” I say. “It’s considered treason for a colony candidate to refuse to appear for The Testing.”

Raffe shrugs. “Dr. Barnes and my father have worked together for years. My father considers Dr. Barnes one of his closest friends. So I wasn’t as surprised as I might have been, especially since I understood the concern. Emilie’s smart, but she takes a long time to think through answers. She doesn’t perform well on timed exams. Especially when they are math- or science-based. Her teachers mentioned that issue in her evaluations, which is why Dr. Barnes presented my father with an opportunity to withdraw her name. I assumed Dr. Barnes wanted to give my father the option of having his daughter remain in Tosu City, because failure on the exams would ordinarily mean a job assignment in the colonies. But when my father refused the offer, Dr. Barnes said something that made me wonder if there wasn’t something more.”