The Apprenticeship

Later

An hour later, I meet Owen at his lab.

"So," I say. I'm standing in front of his desk.

"So, we have to accelerate your training. I don't quite understand why but, it's not our decision."

He stands up and walks toward the front board, I turn around and whisper, "I'm sorry."

He stops and sighs, "it's not your fault Avery. It's a series of events that happened. It's mainly my fault."

"No it's not Owen."

"Please Avery, have a seat. We've wasted too much time already."

"Owen-" he cuts me off.

"Sit Avery. Please."

I walk to the table in front of the board and sit. He pulls out a paper and a pen.

"You may want to write some of this down.

•••

An hour later, we take a break.

"Are you understanding this?"

"No," I put my head in my hands, "I don't get it. It's too confusing."

He sits down on a stool next to me, "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Why did you choose science? It's obviously not a suitable choice."

"I panicked. I didn't know what I wanted to do?"

He leans back and crosses his arms, "Why state it like a question?"

"I'm worried I won't say the right thing."

"Avery," he sighs, "don't be worried. You're okay. I understand that development is hard and this type of thing takes a lot of adjusting but, you're going to be okay. Everything will work out in the end."

I remain silent and start to tear up. He takes my head in his hand, "Do you trust me Avery?"

"I do."