7

You had to take action immediately, before the dumb dog got too close. You owed your composure and accurate aim to Brett's patient lessons all those times that she took you to the firing range. Those lessons sure paid off that day.

While ascending the stairs, you remember your best friend's words of encouragement when you said you'd fight this injustice. She's the only person in your life who knows about your secret project to build a time machine. You and Brett have been inseparable since grade school when you played together with toy dinosaurs.

You finally reach the dean of students' office, which is guarded by a receptionist who purses her lips at you and pointedly glances at the wall clock. She tells you to take a seat as she heads into the dean's office. You wait. She comes out, closes the door, and leaves you cooling your heels. Through the closed door, you can hear the rumble of the dean's bass voice pronouncing your name, which is: