27

Although it feels like the elephant in the living room, you say nothing whatsoever in your petition about Darien Vance's actions against you. He does appear, however, in your accompanying photos and film.

After waiting what seems like an eternity, you receive notification regarding your academic fate. It comes in an old-fashioned letter delivered to your parents' mailbox. Not a thick envelope. You fear that it'll be a one-paragraph dismissal of all you've presented. You're almost afraid to open it, but with trembling hands, you do.

It is a single page. Above Dean Green's big, self-important signature, your eyes fall on this line:

"In light of the highly persuasive materials you present, and in consultation with Professor Thorne, your grade in Temporal Physics is hereby changed to A+."

Vindication! But there's more. The next sentence reads: "The film department recommends that you be awarded an honorary degree in film." Whoa! It's unexpected, but deserved.

On a Lark