Click. L. Smyth

knew that he’d left it unlocked. Wouldn’t it be funny to just go in there for a bit? Wouldn’t it be funny to steal his copy of Doctor Faustus?

      I was unconvinced by the idea that it would be funny at all. I couldn’t even understand where the plan had come from. And I couldn’t understand why – after the whole debacle with her course had been resolved – Marina was still intent on upsetting Montgomery. I opened my mouth and was about to say exactly this, when I caught sight of Marina’s expression. She looked very sad, needy – almost like she was trying to tell me something. I closed my mouth.

      ‘On second thoughts,’ she said, ‘it actually doesn’t matter if you want to come or not. I’m going on my own whatever happens.’

      ‘Er … OK.’

      She made a series of short, frustrated hand gestures to indicate she disapproved of this reaction.

      ‘It’s just such an effort trying to get you to have fun,’ she fumed. ‘This is what first year should be about, Eva – taking risks. That is what you’ll remember in years to come. Not slaving away on an essay which doesn’t have a conclusion. It won’t even contribute to your final grade.’

      There was nothing much I could say to defend myself there.

      ‘Well sure,’ I conceded. ‘It’s not like we’re going to get jobs when we graduate.’