EXCERPT

Fatima stifled a yawn. Resting her chin against her palm, she stared out the window at the dull gray November sky. She had one month remaining of this, her second try at human physiology 201. If I don’t pass this class this time, I’ll drop out before I suffer through another semester of indignation from this witch. No, not passing isn’t an option.

                Professor Eulea glided to within inches of Fatima. “Fatima,” she said. “Are you paying attention? No, of course not. I asked you a question. Which lobe in the cerebral cortex is responsible for the degenerative effects on white blood cells caused by sleep deprivation?”

                Fatima’s eyes darted side to side. Dammit, is it the parietal?

                “You see, class,” Professor Eulea said. “Fatima is a perfect example of what fate befalls humans, who for reasons yet unknown, do not get sufficient sleep. Difficulty concentrating, poor performance. As a result, she’s suffered through two semesters of a class I believe a toddler could pass.”

                Fatima sank deeper into her chair.

                “As I understand it,” the professor continued, “your partial scholarship will be revoked if you are not successful in this attempt. A pity.”

                Snickers from the class sent Fatima scurrying from the room. Did the whole class need to hear that I’m one failed exam away from being tossed out on my behind? I’m an engineering major, what genius made physiology a required course, anyway? Why does she...it, whatever you call her get off on harassing me?