Warren Pagnell

Abomination. That's how she perceived Warren Pagnell. Their feud became the stuff of university legend. Seeing him in the library, she was immersed in a book on the Renaissance, but his shadow fell across the table.

"Pagnell, were you looking for a louder place to slurp your chips? The reading room isn't the best place."

"Relax, straight-A student. I'm here for the peace and quiet. It also saves me from your tediousness."

She ran her finger over the fresco illustration. "Some people see beyond the test. I've never seen anything like it. This world of meaning and beauty... That's what's most here!"

Her delight was the last straw. The mask of boredom disappeared from Warren's face. —Nothing more? You didn’t see anything “more”?

He stood up and walked around the table. -Warren, what are you... —You live in pictures in books. Do you want to see something real? Right now?

He approached. A metallic click echoed in the silence. Their faces were close. What was he planning? The girl's panic was growing.