Most practitioners don't know if a pattern works unless they study it. You can tell at a quick glance whether a bunch of squiggly lines is a pattern or someone's bored doodle. Why would you want to let others know about your synesthesia when it can help you be better than other students?
Fortunately, you have options other than admitting how you know the three patterns don't work.
You give the woman a shrug and a disarming smile. "You've got me. I'll wait to talk to you next year."
The man laughs. "Well done, not picking a fight with Yasmine."
"Agreed," Yasmine says. "There's hope for you yet."
Darcy isn't pleased, though. She sighs. "You've got a lot to learn, Bomomsay Clestenrogo."
Next
The Present
The past fades away like steam from a shower, leaving you in the empty quad.
You don't know why your younger self thought using a pattern to record your memories was a good idea. You also don't know what memories the pattern holds—the pattern took them from you. All you know is the aftermath of that decision.
It didn't end well.
There's nothing for it. If you don't let the pattern run its course now, you risk being seized by the past when it's least convenient.
You close your eyes, the better to sense where the pattern is pulling you.
Carter Hall. The pattern magic department.
Next Stop, Carter Hall