Today marks the third day of my second month at the spy academy, and I can’t help but be amazed at how far I’ve come. Initially, I was surprised to have been accepted, but now, I find myself even more astonished that I have made it this far. I had anticipated being eliminated in the early stages, fearing that my memory would need to be wiped to protect the classified information I might accidentally reveal. However, it appears that I possess greater intelligence and resilience than I had previously believed.
Our mission today has led us to stake out one of the most renowned commercial window tinting companies Melbourne has. The firm’s popularity is such that it has essentially claimed an entire street, with its storefront stretching into the distance, drawing a long line of eager customers. It surprises me that people still prefer in-person shopping experiences, considering the prevalence of online shopping. Nevertheless, the glass industry evidently thrives on personal interactions and meetings. As for why we are stationed here, that remains a mystery to both me and my fellow spy trainees.
Under the guise of university students on a field trip with our professor, we find ourselves experiencing a glimpse of normalcy. For the first time since joining the academy, we are dressed casually, freed from the confines of our usual skin-tight black suits adorned with numerous pockets. It’s a refreshing change of pace. However, as we wait outside the establishment, our instructor is nowhere to be seen. Peering through the dark window tinting nearby, I attempt to catch a glimpse of the interior, but all I can see is my own reflection—a one-way mirror reminiscent of an interrogation room.
Some of my less professional classmates are growing restless. They fidget, fiddle with their nails, and exploit their guise as university students to engage in loud, animated conversations. It’s not the most favourable display of behaviour. Patience is a crucial attribute for a spy, as waiting is an integral part of our profession. If they struggle with a mere half-hour of waiting, how can they expect to thrive in this career?