#Chapter 179: Seven out of Ten

Abby The silence in the room is thick with tension as we wait for Logan’s verdict. Vanessa’s and Xavier’s praises still echo in the back of my mind, but it’s Logan’s opinion that really seems to hold the weight of the world. I can’t explain why, but it somehow feels as though Logan’s opinion holds more sway than the others’; or maybe that’s just how it feels to me, seeing as how slow he is to dole out praise, just like Professor Hawthorne all those years ago. Without warning, Karl’s hand finds my knee under the table. It’s a brief touch, but it grounds me. I don’t pull away, not yet. Vanessa’s voice is soothing as she picks up on the tension and fills the silence, taking another bite of her souffle. “Really, Abby, it’s exquisite,” she says with a warm smile. Xavier nods in agreement. “Definitely. I might just need to ask you to make a few more of these for me to bring home. My wife and daughter would be angry if I didn’t share.” I laugh in response, but it’s a hollow