Friday morning, Noel printed his capstone all sixty-three pages of research, analysis, and argument that had consumed the past four months of his life.
The paper felt heavier than it should, like it carried the weight of everything he'd put into it.
His meeting with Professor Williams was at ten. He arrived five minutes early, finding her office door already open, her expression giving nothing away.
"Noel. Come in. Sit."
He sat, setting the bound document on her desk with careful precision.
She picked it up, flipping through pages she'd already read digitally, taking her time while he tried not to visibly panic.
"Your revised thesis is clear," she said finally. "Your argument is well-supported. Your analysis demonstrates genuine understanding of the material." She set the document down, looking at him directly. "This is strong work. Ready for defense."
