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?"

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

Carlson-always on

vice principal was talking about

help but lift her chin in

she'd forgotten Carlson hadn't planned on publishing in 'Science' this

she would've

was impossible for a student to publish in 'Science'

bit her lip,

delayed her paper for weeks, only to secretly publish in

if it was her

the thought had

Hertha also showed varying degrees

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

Man, you're brilliant! Dad always says that's how big moves are made quietly. I've

about to respond when

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

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

hands froze mid-air, unsure whether to complete

the deafening quiet, someone