Valeria
The laboratory keeper took her name off the reserved board while she watched.
He did it with a damp cloth. Three periods, each one long enough for the measurements she had planned. The ink blurred and disappeared beneath his hand.
"Ordinary student hours are still available," he said.
"I know."
"The comparison instrument is booked through the next rotation."
"I know that too."
He folded the cloth. "Would you like me to tell you when a place opens?"
Valeria looked at his face and found no satisfaction there. He was offering the only useful thing he had left to offer.
"Yes. Thank you."
She left before the next student's name replaced hers.
At the door, she nearly turned back to ask about a period she already knew had been taken. The keeper had given her the answer. Asking him again would only make him repeat it more carefully.
