Chapter 373: At Six in the Morning

At six in the morning, Clara Whitmore opened her eyes.

She washed up efficiently and straightened her collar in the mirror. Today was graduate school orientation, so she’d deliberately chosen a light blue shirt—professional and polished.

A line had already formed outside the registrar’s office.

After verifying her documents, Clara hurried to the department office. Sunlight streamed through the windows, making her squint.

"All settled?" her advisor asked, handing her a class schedule.

"Yes." Clara nodded. "The opening ceremony isn’t until tomorrow."

She checked her watch—only ten in the morning. The perk of not living on campus meant no luggage to haul, leaving her afternoon unexpectedly free.

The hallway of the Informatics building was quiet.

Thomas Avery was grading papers when a knock made him look up, his glasses nearly sliding off. "Clara?" He stood in surprise. "What a rare visit!"

"Just checking in," she said with a smile. "Wouldn’t want someone accusing me of being ungrateful."

"Nonsense!" He feigned sternness before faltering. "I was just... making full use of academic resources!" he muttered, adjusting his glasses.

They chatted for half an hour before Clara’s phone buzzed.

"Professor Caldwell?" She answered to a warm female voice.

Thomas rolled his eyes. "Knew it was her," he grumbled under his breath. "Like a mother hen."

Miriam Caldwell’s office door was slightly ajar.

Clara was about to push it open when she heard voices inside. She withdrew her hand and knocked three times.

"Come in." Miriam beckoned. "Perfect timing—meet your labmates."

Two people were already seated inside. A lanky boy in a black sweater, his pale skin accentuated by the dark fabric, was flipping through notes. A round-faced girl beamed the moment Clara entered.

"Noah Kessler, Maya Torres," Miriam introduced. "This is Clara Whitmore."

After brief greetings, Miriam sighed. "There’s something you should know." She rubbed her temples. "I’ve requested to stop taking new students."

Clara’s chest tightened.

"You three will be the last group I mentor." Miriam’s gaze lingered on Clara for an extra second.

A ringing phone shattered the silence.

After Miriam stepped out, the office was so quiet they could hear the hum of the AC.

"Cookie?" Maya suddenly produced a tin. "Homemade."

Clara took one. "Thanks." She took a bite. "You’re from Guangdong?"

"Wow!" Maya’s eyes widened. "How’d you know?"

Clara blinked. "Lucky guess?"

"You’re amazing, Clara!" Maya gushed.

Noah, who’d been silent, finally looked up. "I guessed too."

Maya’s cookie clattered onto the table.