Dominika

The dean's office is quiet and the building is empty. She keeps you standing for a full minute while she finishes reading. "Sit down." She closes the folder and folds her hands on top of it. "Your work is good. Your attendance is not. On Thursday I have a committee meeting where we decide what happens to students who treat this university like a membership they never use." She takes her glasses off and studies you. "You could argue. Most of them argue." She leans back in her chair. "I'd rather you told me the truth about why you've been missing my lectures specifically. I noticed, before you wonder." A small pause. "And before you say work commitments, remember I've read every letter you've had excused, and I don't believe a word of them." She slides the folder aside. "Go on. Tell me something I can actually work with."