Even Top Students Fail

The Scholar's Golden Touch

The next morning, the school erupted into a flurry of activity. Students rushed to pack, parents arrived for pick-ups, and others prepared to head home alone.

Louis and Maria came early, helping Lilith load her luggage. She hugged Jennifer, Barbara, and Elizabeth goodbye. Living nearby, there was no need for tearful farewells.

About to get in the car, Lilith thought she glimpsed William, but he vanished when she looked again. Shaking it off, she climbed in with her parents.

Louis and Maria had been eyeing Lilith, noticing her furrowed brow. Assuming exam stress, Louis stayed calm, but Maria couldn't help asking, "Lilith, honey, did your exams go alright?"

Seeing their worry, Lilith felt guilty. She'd just been pondering William, but her distraction caused concern. Their caution clearly showed fear of poor performance.

"Mom, I aced my exams," Lilith assured them, wrinkling her nose playfully. "Just thinking about our vacation. Dad promised a trip, and Jennifer and I have plans."

Lilith had always been their precious snowball, adorable since childhood. Louis and Maria doted on her immensely. Seeing her brighten, they sighed in relief, believing her mood was about vacation plans.

Their concern wasn't baseless. Pampered growing up, Lilith had become a study machine in high school. While proud, they worried about the pressure of high expectations.

Relieved, Louis teased, "Remember, this trip's only if you get into MIT. We don't have results yet."

Maria, an accountant, agreed Lilith should follow a similar path for stability. MIT's business program, renowned globally, had always been Lilith's dream school.

"If I'm this confident, it's in the bag, Dad," Lilith replied, eyes twinkling. "Better prep for that big expense!"

Louis, with a promising new project, laughed heartily and agreed.

The Martins were typical middle-class. When married, Lilith's grandfather had only given them an old house downtown. Now, they'd upgraded to a new apartment and bought a car.

"Speaking of expenses," Maria added, "we might have extra income soon. Maybe we could all take a family trip."

Lilith perked up, thinking of the old house. "What kind of money, Mom?" she asked innocently.

"We're thinking of selling the old house," Maria explained. "Got a decent offer."

Lilith's heart sank. She had to prevent this. "Mom, why rush? Elizabeth's family's area is being redeveloped. They got a great deal. Our old neighborhood might be next."

"Oh, sweetie, you don't get it," Maria replied, shaking her head. "Our area isn't prime for redevelopment. We've hoped for years, but nothing's happened. If we don't sell soon, the value will drop."

Lilith persisted, "But Mom, think. With surrounding areas redeveloped, ours can't be far behind. You might regret selling now."

Maria hesitated, glancing at Louis. "What do you think, dear?"

Louis pondered. "Our girl might have a point. That area's bound for redevelopment eventually. And honestly, I'm not keen on selling our first home."

Nearing home, Lilith sensed them wavering. She changed the subject, "Almost home! What's for lunch? I've been craving Dad's cooking."

Louis smiled, "Fridge is stocked, sweetheart. Rest today, tomorrow we'll visit your grandparents. They've been asking about you."

Lilith nodded, a plan forming. The elderly were sentimental. If she mentioned potential redevelopment to her grandfather tomorrow, her parents would never sell. With this thought, Lilith relaxed, a contented smile spreading across her face.