Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Carlson's gaze was cast downward, his true emotions unreadable, yet the fists clenched beneath his sleeves tightened and tightened again. After what seemed like an eternity, he seemed to deflate, unclenching his fists as if giving up all resistance, choosing to yield.

"Thanks, Professor, for all your efforts over the years."

"Of course, what are you if not my proudest pupil? It's only right that the cream of the crop gets a bit more attention, don't you think?"

Carlson didn't respond.

He was never much for words, leaving an impression of silence and reticence among his classmates and mentors.

"Alright, head back. Don't stress too much about Sybil's thesis; it doesn't have to be this month. Manage your time as you see fit, but I know you won't let me down." Carlson turned and walked away.

Edna settled back into her chair, leisurely sipping her tea.

Sybil approached with a grin, "Aunt Edna, you always knows how to handle him, whipped him into shape!"

...

Since borrowing a lab was out of the question and Carlson refused to withdraw his application, they had no choice but to figure something out themselves.

Mamie, usually such a foodie, was so angry she skipped dinner.

"This is ridiculous! Completely ridiculous! Doesn't the faculty even care?!"

Scales replied, "The faculty only favors teams that promise more academic achievements. Besides, all of Carlson's paperwork was in order, what reason would the faculty have to intervene?" Mamie sighed, her chubby hands propping up her chin, "Without a lab, how are we supposed to proceed with our project?"

Scales said, "There are plenty of labs available. The real issue isn't the space, it's the CPRT analyzer."

analyzer, any lab would

"Is that CPRT

paused for a

then after two seconds, he replied, "That's actually a

found, "The top-of-the-line CPRT analyzer with a microscope from D country, the Everysto model, is priced

million..." Mamie pondered before suddenly saying, "Why don't

was flabbergasted. What kind

thought,

look, Mamie asked, "What are you staring

"Um... did

Let

5

hot make myself clear?

not 1.26

Got it?"

Beat, this analyzer costs

understood you the first time, no need

think... we can just buy

"Not we. she

patting chest confidently.

Worry, I've got this,"

swivelongs

if the issue was

challenged, expecting a bluff.