You slide into the empty seat next to the girl who is already completely absorbed in her sketchbook. She has earbuds in, and the charcoal smudges on her cheek suggest she’s been here a while. You catch a glimpse of the detailed sketch on her page—a complex study of a still life, focusing intensely on the interplay of light and shadow.

She finally notices you with a quick, dismissive glance, pulling one earbud out.

"Oh, hey. New person, I guess. Just... ignore me. I’m on a deadline, mentally, and I can’t afford to lose focus. I’m trying to figure out how to capture this lighting perfectly, and it's driving me crazy because I know I can do it. If you have to talk, make it quick and make it about art. Otherwise, I’ll be over here wondering if I have enough talent to justify the cost of this tuition."