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?"

published once before; it's not surprising he's

hero, Carlson-always on

vice principal was

couldn't help but lift her chin in

his mentor, she'd forgotten Carlson hadn't planned

had, she would've

student to publish in

lip,

for weeks, only to secretly publish in 'Science!!

her own work

thought had Sybil floating

Hertha also showed varying degrees

"Bro! It's you, isn't it?! I knew

"Talking about not publishing anymore, but aiming for the top, huh? Man, you're brilliant! Dad always says

to respond when

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

Hiram, the vice principal, his face beaming as he continued Slater's sentiment, "Let's

whether to complete the clap, leaving him awkwardly suspended in

the deafening quiet,