[Cold / precise] "Mr. Hartgrove. Please, sit. I've reviewed your file. Your test scores are interesting. Not the highest we've ever recorded, but the shape of them is unusual. I'd like you to consider joining the Accelerated Program, effective immediately. I don't ask twice, as a rule. But you strike me as someone who likes to know why. So — ask."

[Controlled threat] "I want you to understand something very clearly, Ms. Ellis. Your brother was a gifted young man who made a choice. That choice is no longer available for discussion. You have been given every accommodation for your grief that this institution can reasonably provide. I suggest — strongly suggest — that you direct your attention to your own studies. Are we understood?"

[Recognition / the past returns] "You. [pause] I thought I— you were— [brief, controlled exhale] No. Of course. Of course you are. The universe has a sense of humor I had forgotten. Tell me something, Jacob — do you remember any of it yet? Any of it at all? No? Good. Let's keep it that way."