I never thought starting A-levels would be so time-consuming. And exhausting. And stressful. What with battling work and organizing a school magazine, I have hardly had time to think about my writing.

I'm not sure why, but I just can't seem to get into Seven Sins at the moment. I'm guessing it's due to the lengthy period where touching the keyboard was an effort.

Anyway, I thought I'd get back into writing by continuing with this. I was originally going to keep this a standalone, but plots have been nagging at me lately.

Err, having said that, I still don't think I will continue after this chapter as I intend to keep it relatively short.

Today's Tomorrow

By ElspethElth

Brief Synapse

The classroom meowed, or rather, the nine cats that protested loudly in arching backs and hisses darted around the room, skimming against hands that tried, unsuccessfully, to catch them.

It was the afternoon veterinary session for the class of N16, and things were not going smoothly. It was not really a surprise, for things rarely went according to plan when animals were involved. Especially frolicsome, bored, irritated cats that have been disturbed out of their cages four times already that morning.

Presently a loud yowl erupted from one corner of the classroom; a young man nursed his arm as he attempted to record the weight of a fussy, grey cat. Another hiss brought two students running to stop two Toms from a potential fight.

In painfully plain words, the class was one, hopeless mess.

Professor Salmalín groaned, rubbing his temples to rid his ears of the cats' cries. His head hurt, and his eyesight was beginning to complain at the darting masses that streaked from the corners of his eyes.

Kneeling beside a table, he waited, and then grabbed at the white ball of fur as it shot past him. The cat gave a squall of protest as he caught it and placed it back into the cage. It was no great achievement, for the cat had a fractured paw and was a hobble slower than the rest of its feline friends.

'Professor, over there!'

Professor Salmalín turned and caught another cat that was trotting briskly on the desk. Lifting it off the table, and averting his face away from the animal's curious tongue, he was harassed to see the classroom door open and close with a loud bang.

'Daine, why are you late?' he asked as he struggled to pry the cat's sharp claws from his shirt. 'Class started fifteen minutes ago.'

'I know, I know,' the young woman, cheeks flushed and eyes wide, replied breathlessly as she hurried to remove her bag and coat. Taking a large folder out of her bag, she offered it to her teacher.

'It's the Africa coursework. I remembered I've forgotten it halfway to class, and had to go back to fetch it,' she explained, still a little out of breath. 'That's why I was late.'

Not in the least moved by her excuse, Professor Salmalín lowered the cat into Daine's arms and took her folder. He scanned through the contents.

Daine cuddled the furry creature, making soft noises as she rocked it gently. The cat purred luxuriously, and Daine smiled, bringing her face close to the animal where she planted a soft kiss on its head.

'Don't kiss him like that,' Professor Salmalín looked up from him notes. 'Its not very hygienic. This is the extra report on the lions?'

Daine nodded, her curls bouncing.

'You have written a novel.'

'They're all very interesting,' the student insisted, staring at him with large eyes.

'I don't doubt that. I will certainly look forward to reading it. In the meantime –' Professor Salmalín shut the folder and took one, long, critical look at her, '–You may go work with one of the cats now – this one, if you like. Since you are fifteen minutes behind everyone else, I expect you will wish to stay behind after class to make up for the time lost.'

'Yes, Professor,' Daine sighed meekly, rolling her eyes behind a lock of hair.

'Don't roll you eyes, Daine. Its not a pleasant activity.'

'I'll see you in class tomorrow.'

'Yes, see you.'

Daine gave a small nod as her friend, Leila, tapped her gently on the shoulder. Giving a little wave, she swung her bag across her shoulder and left the room.

Daine wiped her forehead and took down her final sets of notes: the cat's weight, temperature, eye, tongue and claw conditions. The work was simple, and Daine, who never had trouble getting animals to behave, enjoyed the practical sessions above all others. Murmuring softly to the cat she had been working on, she stroked the animal's neck and gently placed it into its cage.

Professor Salmalín looked up from his desk as he heard the snap of the latch.

'All done?' he asked, standing up to gather a stack of papers.

Daine nodded. Quietly she packed away the equipments and washed her hands. On her way back to her desk, a tiny meow caught her attention and she turned to see one of the cage door swaying, unlatched. A cat, the fluffy white with the fractured paw, sniffed and nudged the door open.

'We can't have you running around the lab,' Daine said softly, and walked towards the cage. Gently, she lifted the cat into her arms.

A sudden energy within her body lurched violently, making her sway. Her visions flashed and grew dark. She staggered backwards, feeling her legs give way.

'Daine?'

Professor Salmalín saw her fall just as the white cat leaped away from her arm and darted across the room, as quick and agile as can be. The teacher hurried forwards, kneeling beside Daine. He put one arm against her back, supporting her upwards into a sitting position.

'I'm fine,' Daine gasped, feeling sick. She squeezed her eyes, trying to shake out the bright spots of light that danced behind her eyelids. Professor Salmalín did not seem to believe her.

'Are you diabetic? Any allergies? Asthma?'

'No. None of those…'

'Tuck your head down, between your knees.'

Daine groaned. 'Where did the cat go?'

'Never mind the cat, do as you are told. And take big breaths.'

Daine obeyed, breathing deeply as she rested her head against her knees. She felt Professor Salmalín's arm pressing firmly against her back.

'I'm fine now, really,' she said after a while, and lifted her head. Turning, she caught his eyes: dark, ominous and concerned. She managed a weak smile.

'I missed lunch today. I guess I just felt faint.'

A loud thud towards her left made both student and teacher turn, in time to see the cat jump from the tabletop on to the floor. There it washed its fur daintily.

'I thought he had a injured paw!' Daine wondered aloud, blinking hard.

'So did I,' replied Professor Salmalín, his voice oddly strained. Daine looked at him quickly. Try as she might, she could not guess what went on behind his dark eyes, and she was more than discomforted to notice the silent and thoughtful manner in which he regarded her. Presently he said, 'Can you walk by yourself? You own a student's room here, yes?'

Gingerly Daine stood up, making sure her legs were still fully functional. She shook her head.

'No, in Heathersfield.'

'That's hours away!' Professor Salmalín stared at her, startled.

Daine's smile was wry. 'Rent's cheaper.'

Walking over to the table, she slipped into her warm coat, slinging her bag over one shoulder. She watched as Professor Salmalín coaxed the cat from the top of a filing cabinet. When the animal was securely inside the cage, he turned around – and seemingly struggled with himself.

'I can…give you a lift home, I suppose,' he said hesitantly, uncertainly, debating as much to himself as to her.

Daine correctly guessed his indecision. 'Its all right,' she said lightly, making for the door. 'I need the fresh air and the exercise. And besides,' – her voice because very dry, 'I'd hate it if you lost your job because of me.'

Relieved, and a little more than amused, Professor Salmalín nodded. 'In that case, I will see you tomorrow. Drink plenty of water, and eat your lunch in future. I don't want you fainting in class.' With another nod, he dismissed her. As Daine opened the door and stepped out, he called, 'Oh, and Daine?'

'Yes?' She turned, catching his quiet, watching eyes.

'Don't be late next time.'