How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

For once, a rare smile flickered across Charlie's face.

He made no effort to hide his pride.

Around them, the seasoned veterans who had managed to maintain their dignified airs until now-couldn't help showing their delight. One after another, they crowded around Elodie, eager to strike up a conversation. She found herself at the center of attention, basking in a glow that seemed to dim everything else in the room.

Sylvie could only stare, stunned, as this scene—something she'd never even imagined-unfolded right before her eyes. She sat rigid, uncertain how to compose herself, unsure what expression might help her keep her composure. Her fingers grew cold as she gripped the edge of her seat.

It took Grady a moment to recover from his own shock. The sound of applause, the buzz of students excitedly discussing what they'd just witnessed-every bit of it underscored the same thing: in everyone's eyes, Elodie was exceptional, a rare talent.

But Grady's gaze kept drifting to Sylvie, concerned for how she must be feeling. When he looked over, Sylvie's face was nearly expressionless.

Grady's jaw tightened. He stood, fixing his attention on Elodie. "I have a question," he said, his voice cutting through the hum of conversation. "Elodie, when did you actually write this paper?"

Heads turned in his direction, the interruption unmistakable.

Elodie met his eyes, calm and unruffled, waiting for him to continue.

Grady's brow furrowed. "From what everyone is saying, this paper is flawless- truly outstanding. But Elodie's only just entered the field. She switched tracks less than six months ago, and already she's at the top of the industry? She's not Ms. Fielding, someone who's climbed every rung through years of systematic training. But now, Elodie's published in a journal even more prestigious than Ms. Fielding ever has?"

Sylvie pressed her lips together, silent.

she couldn't help feeling

even

she was this remarkable, how had

Grady's skepticism. The tightness in her chest, that

excitement in the room faltered, a hush falling

turned to

as he let

sharp eyes narrowed. "Then tell us," he said coolly, "what exactly

Grady's frown deepened. "Professor,

don't mean to dampen

work of this caliber? Everyone knows Elodie became your student just recently, and then this paper appeared almost immediately. If she's this brilliant, why has no one

tension in the room

could hear what he was really

was accusing Elodie

you doubting

only want to know: Elodie's barely started in this field. How could she possibly have written

began to

could ask Mr. Ferguson for guidance on her own work, then why couldn't Elodie have had Mr. Sterling help her write a paper-one that would give her a