Lucia

Chapter 7: Therefore I Am

Four years ago, in the hallowed halls of Central City University, a vivid flashback takes us back to a bustling college classroom. Inside, Professor Clifford Devoe, a distinguished academic with a keen intellect, finds himself engrossed in the task of preparing his students for an upcoming essay. With the deadline looming just two weeks away, he meticulously jots down a series of thought-provoking topics, carefully selected to challenge and inspire his eager learners. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as the students eagerly await the unveiling of these intellectual gems, knowing that their academic prowess will be put to the test.

Professor Devoe, a middle-aged man with graying hair and glasses perched on the bridge of his nose, stood at the front of the classroom, struggling to decipher his own handwriting. The students, their attention waning, shifted restlessly in their seats, their minds wandering to more interesting matters. The professor, unaware of their disinterest, continued to fumble with his notes, his frustration evident in the furrowed lines on his forehead.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Professor Devoe let out a sigh of defeat and decided to abandon his futile attempt at deciphering his scribbles. He cleared his throat and addressed the class, his voice tinged with a hint of resignation. "Alright, class," he began, his tone lacking the usual enthusiasm. "I want each of you to write an essay on one of the topics listed here," he gestured towards the whiteboard, where a jumble of words and phrases were hastily scrawled. "You have two weeks to complete it."

As he finished speaking, a sudden gust of wind blew through the open window, causing his notes to flutter out of his hands and scatter across the floor. The students, now fully disengaged, exchanged amused glances, their stifled laughter filling the air. Professor Devoe, his face flushed with embarrassment, bent down to collect his wayward papers, his hands trembling slightly.

The bell rang, signaling the end of the class, and the students wasted no time in gathering their belongings and making a hasty exit. However, Marlize, a bright and witty student, lingered behind, unable to resist the opportunity to tease her professor. "Professor Devoe," she called out, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "I once had a class that was even more challenging than this. It was like trying to decipher hieroglyphics!"

Professor Devoe, now chuckling at Marlize's remark, looked up from his scattered notes and met her gaze. "Ah, Marlize," he said, a hint of admiration in his voice. "You always manage to brighten my day. And yes, I must admit, my knowledge of laminar flow is not as extensive as yours." They shared a knowing smile, a brief moment of connection amidst the chaos of the classroom.

As the last student filed out of the room, Professor Devoe couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards Marlize. In a class where interaction was scarce, her presence and lighthearted banter provided a much-needed respite from the monotony. He silently vowed to always lend an ear to her insights, for in her words, he found a glimmer of inspiration.

Nothing seems to matter to them unless it can be easily consumed through the medium of YouTube videos featuring adorable talking babies or mind-numbingly silly pet tricks. Marlize, with a glimmer of excitement in her eyes, turned to Clifford Devoe and asked, "Have you had the pleasure of witnessing the husky singing 'Like a Virgin'?" A small smile tugged at the corners of Clifford's lips as he replied, "Ah, you managed to bring a smile to my face, Marlize."

With a hint of frustration, he continued, "But how can we hope to enlighten these individuals when their minds have become so limited, incapable of embracing the gift of knowledge?" Marlize, ever the optimist, chimed in, "Your plan will undoubtedly succeed, Clifford. We just need to reimagine the way we deliver it to them."

Clifford, however, shook his head, his voice tinged with self-doubt. "It's not the plan itself that is flawed, Marlize. It's my own ability to execute it." Marlize, her voice filled with conviction, reassured him, "Clifford, you are the most brilliant mind I have ever known. Your intelligence knows no bounds."