Zachary hadn’t expected Ignatius to change so much over just one winter break.


    He remembered how, in the past, Ignatius would anxiously check his answers right up until thest second. But now, barely half an hour into the exam, Ignatius had already finished and was dozing at his desk. Clearly, he’d put in <i>some </i>serious work over the holidays.


    Zachary nced at the clock, then refocused on his own exam.


    A sudden gust swept through the ssroom, rustling the test papers and sending Ignatius’s pen rolling to the floor. That jolted him out of his nap–he leaned over to retrieve it.


    The next thing anyone knew, both Ignatius and his chair crashed to the floor with a thud that echoed off the walls. Every head snapped up, even the proctor startled from her seat.


    “Ignatius? Ignatius!” The proctor rushed over, anxiety etched across her face. “Are you alright? Can you get up?”


    Ignatius was pale as a ghost, clutching his stomach. Despite the winter chill, sweat


    beaded on his forehead.


    Zachary reacted instantly, hurrying over to help Ignatius back to his feet. The proctor righted the fallen chair so Ignatius could sit down again.


    While the teacher fussed, Zachary moved in closer, checking Ignatius’s pulse and pressing a few points on his hand.


    “Feeling any better?” Zachary asked quietly.


    Ignatius still <i>looked </i>dazed, but managed a small nod.


    Zachary let out a breath. “He’s just having a stress–induced stomach spasm,” he exined to the teacher. “It’s nothing serious. Let him rest in the nurse’s office for a while and sip some warm water–he’ll be fine.”


    “Really?<i>” </i>The proctor eyed Ignatius, who was already looking less drawn, though she still seemed skeptical.


    “If you’re worried<i>, </i><i>you </i>can send him to the clinic for a check–up once he’s settled. Just to be safe,” Zachary added, unfazed by her doubts. He was just a student, after all–it was only natural she’d be cautious.


    “No, it’s alright. I just need to catch my breath and finish the test,” Ignatius


    12:41


    interjected, rejecting their suggestions.


    “Ignatius, it’s only a cement exam. Your healthes first–what’s the point of a high score if you’re not well?” the teacher tried to reason with him.


    The ssroom, which had been silent moments before, was now buzzing with whispers and sideways nces. An unexpected incident like this was a rare break from the monotony, and with everyone fresh back from break, few could resist the


    distraction.


    “Quiet, please! Focus on your exams!” the proctor snapped, and the room fell silent again, though furtive looks still darted between desks.


    “I’m really fine, miss. Please don’t worry,” Ignatius said calmly, the pain no longer twisting his features.


    “You’re sure?” The teacher studied him for a moment, then seemed to realize further arguing was pointless.


    Zachary knew better than anyone how Ignatius was feeling, and he’d already said his piece. He returned to his seat and got back <i>to </i>work.


    From the moment Ignatius fell to the time he was back on his feet, barely five minutes had passed. With her advice ignored, the teacher could only offer a few parting words of caution before moving on.


    Ignatius nced at Zachary, his expressionplicated, then picked up his pen and looked at the clock. An hour left.


    Atst, the bell rang and relief swept through the room. Students handed in their exams and immediately clustered with friends, some already dissecting the test questions, others rehashing Ignatius’s mishap.


    The teacher didn’t bother calling for quiet, just gathered the papers and left.


    “Anyway… thanks,” Ignatius said stiffly, turning <i>to </i>face Zachary.


    Zachary paused mid–pack, momentarily surprised that Ignatius would thank him at all.


    “No problem. I mean, I’m studying medicine to help people.” He hesitated, then set his bag down again.