Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

At eight in the morning, Pinehollow's largest farmers' market was buzzing with activity, a lively scene unfolding as locals mingled, catching up and shopping for their daily needs. "Mr. Cole, here for your fish fix again?" a voice rang out amidst the commotion.

"Indeed. Got any salmon today?"

"Sure. I saved some just for you..." The middle-aged woman spoke while skillfully weighing and descaling the fish. "All done."

Norris Cole pulled out his smartphone, asking, "How much do I owe you?"

The middle-aged woman said, "Oh, don't worry about it. Just take it. On the house! My boy Ike hasn't exactly been a walk in the park for you..."

"That won't do. You're running a business here. How can I not pay?" Norris promptly made a payment of $30 in cash.

He was always generous.

Stunned by the payment, the woman protested, "Oh, how can I accept this..."

Norris replied, "I'd feel bad not paying. Anyway, I need to pick up some green onions. You take care now."

"Wait, Mr. Cole..."

Norris stopped in his tracks. "Yes? What's up?"

"Erm," the woman fidgeted with her apron as she said, "I heard Horizon Future Middle School has slots for recommending students for the physics competition. Winning the gold medal at the international level could secure a spot at prestigious institutions like Kingswell University or Twilight Peak Academy!"

Norris nodded. "Yes, there are recommendation slots."

The woman asked again, "Do you think Ike stands a chance?"

There was a brief silence before Norris replied, "Hazel, first, you must understand the essence of these competitions. It demands a higher level of knowledge than what the students are used to, a real challenge."

"The school has slots for various subjects, typically reserved for students who excel distinctly in one subject, showing both superior academic skills and a knack for competitive thinking."

Growing anxious, Hazel interjected, "But Ike's grades are excellent. He's consistently ranked in the top 20 in his grade. Doesn't that count for something?"

"Let me explain," Norris continuedThis content belongs to Nô/velDra/ma.Org .

patiently, "Rankings are based on overall performance. It's the individual subject rankings that truly matter Moreover, the school has decided on the nominations for this year's competition. So, there's not much I can do."

"I see. Well, never mind then," Hazel replied, trying to mask her disappointment.

"Okay then, I'll leave you to it. Take care."

Hazel smiled. "You too, come back anytime."

However, as Norris walked away,

Hazel's demeanor changed, and she

muttered, "All this chatter about

subject rankings. My Ike is great at everything. But he's pretending he's powerless, saying the decision's already been made like he can't do anything about it. What a phony."

"Hazel, who are you talking to? Saw something upsetting?" a neighbor inquired, having overheard parts of the conversation. "I saw Mr. Cole heading over there. I was trying to ask him about Amanda's studies." "Don't bother. Ike 'doesn't qualify' for the physics competition." As if your daughter was any different, dabbling in physics, chemistry, and computer science.

The neighbor asked, "What happened?"

"It's all because he's got a daughter who made it to Kingswell University. He can't stand the thought of someone else's child shining, too," Hazel scoffed.

The neighbor disagreed, "Now, Hazel, don't be spreading rumors. Mr. Cole's not like that."

Hazel didn't let it go. "I don't care

what he's like By not letting my Ike in, he's showing he can't stand to see anyone else succeed. So, what if his daughter went to Kingswell? She hasn't been back for years and must have forgotten her folks. Acts like they're too good for us now.

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“I also heard his 'brilliant' daughter dropped out of grad school and isn't working. So much for superiority."