Val never wanted to attend the monster school. But his parents insisted, saying it was the best opportunity for him to learn about his heritage and the different kinds of monsters in the world. So here he was, standing in the middle of a classroom filled with ghouls and vampires, feeling out of place and terrified. The other students were quick to notice his appearance. His poofy arched light blonde hair, fair skin, and slender figure made him look like a girl, and they loved to tease him about it. It didn't help that he dressed so differently, with his turtleneck shirt, mid-length brown coat, poofy pants, black leather gloves, high-heeled knee-high boots, and beret. Despite his hatred of the school and the way the other students treated him, Val did his best to blend in. He learned about the different types of monsters and their habits, and even started joining in on some of their classes. But he couldn't shake the feeling that he didn't belong there. One day, during a particularly harsh round of teasing, Val had enough. He stood up, his Finnish accent thick and strong as he spoke. "I don't belong here," he said firmly. "I hate this school and I hate all of you. I'm going to leave and never come back." The other students laughed, thinking he was just being dramatic. But Val was serious. He packed his bags and left, determined to find a place where he could be himself and not have to hide who he was. Months went by, and Val traveled far and wide. He met other monsters, both good and bad, and learned about the world outside of his small Finnish town. It was hard at times, but he felt more alive than he ever had before. Eventually, Val found his way back to the monster school. But this time, he didn't hide who he was. He wore the same clothes, had the same hair, and spoke with the same accent. And when the other students tried to tease him, he stood tall and spoke his mind. Slowly but surely, Val's confidence grew. He formed friendships with some of the other monsters, and even started to enjoy some of his classes. He still didn't love the school, but he no longer hated it. He had found a way to be himself, even in a place that felt like it was designed to make him feel small.

One day, during a class about famous Finnish traditions, the teacher asked Val what he thought of saunas. Val rolled his eyes, not wanting to get into another conversation about Finnish stereotypes. But something about the way the teacher asked made him pause. They sounded genuinely interested, as if they wanted to hear his opinion. So Val spoke up. "I love saunas," he said, surprising even himself. "They're a big part of Finnish culture, and they're also really relaxing. It's nice to be able to take a break from the world and just sweat it out." The other students looked at him, some surprised and others intrigued. A few of them even nodded in agreement. Val felt a surge of pride, knowing that he was able to share a piece of his heritage with the others. It was a small victory, but it felt like a step in the right direction. Maybe, just maybe, he could learn to love this school after all.

Val felt his face flush with embarrassment as the student next to him leaned over and whispered, "So, Val, do you get naked in saunas too?" He shook his head, feeling uncomfortable. He didn't want to talk about his personal habits, especially not in front of the whole class. But before he could say anything, the teacher chimed in. "That's actually a really good question," they said. "In Finland, it's common to go to a sauna naked. It's seen as a way to promote hygiene and relaxation." Val nodded silently, feeling a sense of relief that the teacher had taken over the conversation. The rest of the class listened as the teacher went into more detail about Finnish sauna culture, including the practice of going in with a group or family. Val felt a twinge of homesickness, missing the times when he and his family would spend hours in the sauna together, enjoying each other's company and trying out different types of steam. When the class ended, Val found himself deep in thought. It was strange, he realized, feeling both pride and shame about his Finnish heritage. On one hand, he loved the traditions and cultural practices that made him unique. But on the other hand, he hated the way people made fun of him and assumed he was strange just because of his background. As he left the classroom, Val couldn't help but wonder if there was a way to find a balance. Maybe, he thought, he could start being more open about his love for Finnish culture, even if it meant answering a few uncomfortable questions along the way. After all, it was a part of him, and he shouldn't have to hide it just to fit in.

The teacher's question hung in the air, and Val hesitated for a moment before answering. He knew that saunas were a big part of Finnish culture, and that people expected him to be enthusiastic about them. But the truth was, he didn't really like saunas. "I don't really care for saunas, to be honest," Val said, shrugging his shoulders. "I know they're really popular in Finland, but I've never been a fan." The other students looked at him in shock, and Val felt his face turning red. He could tell that they were judging him, thinking that he was ungrateful or disrespectful. The teacher, however, seemed genuinely interested in Val's opinion. "That's interesting," they said, sitting forward in their chair. "Why don't you like saunas?" Val thought for a moment, trying to articulate his feelings. "I don't like feeling hot and sweaty," he said finally. "And being in a small, cramped space with other people is kind of uncomfortable. Plus, when you come out, you feel all sticky and gross. I just don't really see the appeal." There was a moment of silence as the other students processed this. Then, surprisingly, one of them spoke up. "I agree," they said. "I don't really like saunas either. They're just too claustrophobic for me." Val felt a sense of relief wash over him. Maybe he wasn't alone in his distaste for saunas after all. The rest of the class went smoothly, and Val found himself feeling more comfortable in his own skin. It was ok, he realized, to have different preferences and opinions. It didn't make him less Finnish, or less of a monster. It just made him himself.

The teacher's question hung in the air, and Val hesitated for a moment before answering. He knew that saunas were a big part of Finnish culture, and that people expected him to be enthusiastic about them. But the truth was, he had a very negative opinion of them. To Val, saunas were nothing more than hot, stuffy rooms that he was forced to endure during family vacations. He despised the way his skin felt sticky and damp, and the way his eyes burned from the heat. He couldn't understand why people enjoyed spending hours in such a miserable environment. "I don't like saunas," Val admitted finally. "They're just really uncomfortable and unpleasant." The other students looked at him in shock, and Val could tell that they were judging him. He felt like an outsider all over again. The teacher, however, seemed unfazed by Val's answer. "That's perfectly fine," they said. "Not everyone enjoys saunas. Do you have any other thoughts on Finnish culture that you'd like to share?" Val breathed a sigh of relief. He didn't think he could handle another round of scrutiny from his classmates. As the class continued, Val found himself feeling more comfortable sharing his opinions. He discovered that he had more to say about Finnish culture than just saunas, and that his classmates were actually interested in what he had to say. By the end of the class, Val felt a sense of accomplishment. He had been honest about his feelings, even when they went against the norm. And for once, he felt like he was being accepted for who he was, rather than who people thought he should be.

During a class discussion about the Finnish wilderness, the teacher asked the group if anyone had ever had to pee in the woods. The other students eagerly chimed in with stories and jokes, but Val knew the question was coming his way. "Val, have you ever peed in the woods?" the teacher asked, smiling. Val shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "I have," he said reluctantly. "But I really hate it. It's uncomfortable and embarrassing." Some of the other students chuckled, but Val ignored them. He knew that some people enjoyed being out in nature, but to him, it was just another reminder of how different he was from everyone else. The teacher, however, seemed sympathetic. "I can understand that," they said. "But sometimes, when you're out in the wilderness, there's just no other option. You have to do what you have to do." Val nodded silently, still feeling a little embarrassed. He wished he could be one of those people who felt comfortable doing anything, no matter how unconventional. But he knew that wasn't who he was. As the class continued, Val listened intently to the stories and experiences of the other students. He didn't have to like everything they liked, he realized. But he could still appreciate their stories and learn from their perspectives. By the end of the day, Val felt a little more at ease. He knew he was different, but he also knew that that wasn't a bad thing. He was beginning to realize that he could be himself, even if it meant going against the norm. And as he walked out of the classroom, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at his newfound confidence.

Val's classmates had always been curious about his unconventional clothing style, but today they were particularly fixated on his high-heeled boots. During a free period, one of the other students approached him and asked the one question that he had been dreading. "Why do you wear heels?" they asked, gesturing to his knee-high boots. Val let out a sigh, knowing he wasn't going to be able to avoid the topic any longer. He briefly explained that he had always been drawn to fashion and that heels added some flair to his outfits. But he could tell that the other student wasn't satisfied. "Isn't it uncomfortable?" they pressed. "And what about the way people stare at you?" Val shrugged. "It takes some getting used to," he admitted. "But I don't really care what other people think. I wear what makes me happy." It was a response that he had rehearsed countless times, but this time it felt different. For the first time, he wasn't just saying the words to protect himself. He actually believed them. The other student looked at him skeptically, but eventually they let the topic drop. Val breathed a sigh of relief, grateful to have avoided any further discussion. As he walked out of the room, though, Val couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment. He wished that people could accept him for who he was, instead of constantly scrutinizing every detail of his life. But he knew that wasn't likely to happen anytime soon. With a heavy heart, he made his way to his next class, hoping that maybe, just maybe, things would start to change for the better.