Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Everyone in the room was puzzled.

Even the student who was presenting paused, taking a moment to stare at the vice principal's odd behavior.

"Cough, cough!" The deputy principal beside him coughed loudly twice, signaling him to keep it together in front of everyone.

What could possibly be so exciting?

To the point of forgetting one's own dignity?

But then, the excited vice principal grabbed the microphone, took several deep breaths before he could calm himself enough to speak-

"I've just received official news. A student from our Life Sciences department is the lead author on a paper published in 'Science"!"

'Science' magazine consists of three main sections: Science News, Science's Compass, and Research.

As soon as the vice principal finished, a collective gasp swept through the crowd.

"Did I hear that right?"

"Are we talking about the 'Science' I think we're talking about? This is... unbelievable!"

"From our department? Who?"

gotta be Carlson. He's already published once before; it's not surprising he's done it

Carlson-always on

everyone assumed the vice principal

chin in pride-this was

she'd forgotten Carlson hadn't

she would've

a student to publish in 'Science' without

bit her lip, shooting Carlson

for weeks, only to

it was her own work in

the thought had Sybil floating

also showed varying degrees of

to Carlson, "Bro! It's you, isn't it?!

about not publishing anymore, but aiming for the top, huh? Man, you're brilliant! Dad always says that's how big moves are made quietly. I've

about to

applause "Fantastic! This is not just a personal achievement but a triumph for the whole

Hiram, the vice principal, his face beaming as he continued Slater's sentiment, "Let's give our congratulations to-Roseanne!"

whether to complete the clap,

the deafening quiet,