Prologue: The Assignment

It was the ticking of the clock, each second that passed as the clock ticked onto the next second. Her eyes locked on the clock hung on the wall. She waited, impatiently, her foot tapping against the ground, the pen in her hand, hitting against the side of her notebook. Turning her head to glance at the front lesson board, she let out a sigh. Only, three more minutes, and she would be done.

Little did she know that the TA standing in the front of the class lecturing had his eyes set on the beautiful brunette seated in the front seat. He could feel her urgency radiating off her as she waited for the final hand to hit the number three. Grinning to himself, he quickly finished the lecture, before he dismissed the class.

Immediately she sprung from her seat, ready to head towards the door, before he spoke, "Ms. Stewart, could you please stay after class. I need to discuss your thesis paper over with you."

He could see the frown that immediately settled onto her face, as she glanced at the door, before letting out a sigh. Slinging her bag onto her shoulder, she trotted down the final steps before she reached the front podium where he stood.

Matt glanced as the last students final filtered through the door, leaving her alone with him. Flipping through the stacks of papers, he had scattered across his desk, he found the thick packet. Handing it over to her, her eyes widen in fear as she noticed the red marks written all over the pages, before her eyes landed on the final mark.

"I worked really hard on this paper," she said with a sigh, he could tell she was beginning to feel frustrated.

He nodded his head, "I'm sure you did, Ms. Stewart, but as you see from my comments on the margin, I don't think you fully grasp the concept of the class. Which is why I'm offering you an opportunity. This paper is a huge part of the class grade, and at this point unless I give you an alternative, it is nearly impossible for you to pass the class."

The tears began pooling in her eyes, before she nodded.

"I have a student in another one of my classes who is willing to work with you on an alternate assignment. But in order to do so, you must put in the effort work with him. I am not saying it will be easy, this class was never meant to be a blow off class. I see a lot of potential in you, Ms. Stewart, and I'm sure when you are through with this assignment, your perspective may be influenced." He spoke calmly, gazing up he met her blue eyes, "So what do you say?"

"I'll do it."

With a grin, he smiled at her, before he picked up a packet of paper off the top of his desk. He handed her the packet, and turned his attention back to the piles of paper on the top of his desk. Without another word, he gathered his things, and walked out the door. Leaving Miley alone with her future laying in the palm of her hands.

--

You assignment is quite simple, first and foremost, you need to contact:

N. Gray
253 Wright Ave

He will be your guide through the hospital where you will be volunteering. Your objective for this assignment, is to get to know the patients in the terminal illness wing. Do not just go above the surface, every patient has their own story. Tell their story.

Your assignment is due before the end of the term. 
I expect you to keep me updated on your progress, and I will also keep in contact with Mr. Gray.

I hope at the end of the assignment, you will walk away with more than just a better grade.

Sincerely,

Matt Callan
Teacher Assistant