sure. wait. what?

Expectation

Prof: I’d like to know who’s interested in the lab tour this coming Friday. Anybody?

Silence. Nobody seems to be interested in going.

John: I wanna go but I don’t wanna be that guy. But, yeah, I’m interested. (Raises hand.)

Jolens: I’m interested too, but only if other people are going. (Looks at prof, then looks at John sheepishly).

John smiles at Jolens. Jolens smiles back. This could be the start of something new.

Reality Prof: I’d like to know who’s interested in the lab tour this coming Friday. Anybody?

Silence. Nobody seems to be interested in going.

John: I wanna go but I don’t wanna be that guy. But, yeah, I’m interested. (Raises hand.)

Prof: Anybody else?

Jolens freezes on her chair and doesn’t say anything. Prof moves on and dismisses the class. John leaves. Jolens remains seated, eviscerating herself, searching for the guts she doesn’t seem to have.

‘Tang ina life.