I'm sure I'm going to use this WIP when I start writing that pl fanfiction I've planned. Enjoy and stay safe.

So I started avoiding those unhealthy memories. I continued ignoring my mind's requests: pushing further once more. This worried Clark and not just a little: he always asked me if I'd eaten or at least had breakfast and gave me an apple, in order to prevent incidents such as fainting. Yes, it happened during an exam...

Then, in my 20, I saw a young student [...]

Years later, I'd met her in better circumstances[?]

It was a Sunday in which I'd decided to spend it all studying for the exam I attended the following week regarding the recent Leakey's finding and the relatives theories of the Homo sapiens' birth. So, in order to gain an excellent grade I woke up at 5 am, when Clark was still sleeping, I took all the textbooks and my lectures' notes and I headed to the university's library. Before leaving the room, I left a sheet of paper with written my schedule, just to ease Clark's worries. I've seen him pretty anxious recently.
I entered the library the first second the librarian opened the doors, likely fully-aware of my arrival. I checked the hour: 5.32 am. I gained all my will and concentration and opened the books, turned the pages and wrote notes and schemes. I was going full-speed, until I felt a pain in the stomach. When I rose my gaze from the text, I realized it was already late afternoon. The watch on the wall said 6.18 pm. My eyes were dry due tiredness and lack of proper illumination, the stomach was now rumbling loudly. Then...
A laugh?
I turn toward the chuckle, finding out it was a lady's. Wonderful curled hair. Before I could ask, she approached from her spot: the nearby table, which was full of books and sheets covered in calculations and numbers.
"I've been seeing you since 2 pm."

"Well..." I was embarrassed. I wanted no one to notice me.
"Actually, I'm here since 5:32." I said without thinking, sincerity faster than my tongue.

Her face was in conflict, not sure if it was more proper to wear a worried expression or an amused one. Nonetheless she was gasping. "And no breaks at all?"

To be honest, I was a bit annoyed someone was disturbing me along with the pain in the stomach, which I didn't care. What does she want from me?! "I don't want to waste time discussing this. If you may, I mu-"

"But that's not a waste of time!" she yelled and got silenced from the librarian and some unknown's glares. She looked enraged. She doesn't want to be questioned. She approached to my ear, almost unbelievably quiet now. "Breaks, along with meals and sleep - she underlined, pointing at my bags below the eyes - help you being more productive in your activities, study included."

I smelt coffee aroma on her table.

My Earl Grey was consumed by stillness since this morning.

She offered her right hand. "I'm Claire, by the way. It's nice to meet you."

I stared at her fingers. I didn't expect (or maybe want?) a random person willing to know me. I couldn't disappoint someone else.

After maybe too long I shook the hand. "I am Hershel." I smiled, but it faltered immediately followed suit with eye contact and the handshake. I don't deserve someone caring of me. Instead of a warm and welcoming Pleased to meet you, I just say:"Likewise." Coldly, I turn my shoulders for reading my books.