Dr. Ellison helps Blankenship to his feet. "Once you're stronger, we'll make plans for the spring semester. Dr. ., have a good night. And kindly do not mention Dr. Blankenship's return yet. I wish to be the one who makes the announcement." The two of them exit, Blankenship's steps halting.
You're finally alone for the first time since the Swinter Soirée ended. All you want to do is go home and pass out.
Alex says, "It is a very good thing that your Dr. Ellison will make you and this Blankenship work together. Think of the information he will give us about moving between dimensions. This is the best outcome possible."
You wish you had Alex's optimism.
Next
Dr. Ellison announces Blankenship's return in a hastily called faculty meeting the Monday morning after the party. Eze's surprise appears genuine, while Wilcox's gladness about Blankenship is too effusive to be real. Darcy eyes you, forehead wrinkled, working the angles on what Blankenship's return means.
Blankenship is supposed to meet with you over the holidays, but it's uncomfortably close to the new school year before he returns to school. He's thin but less gaunt, and with his gray hair trimmed and beard close-cropped to end in a dapper point at his chin, he looks decades younger.
Blankenship takes in your office. "They packed up my things."
He's lucky you didn't get rid of them. You try not to hunch defensively behind the desk. "I left all of the boxes alone."
Dr. Ellison appears in the hall behind him. "Ah, good, I was hoping you would both be available. We need to discuss arrangements for the upcoming semester."
Blankenship opens one of the moving boxes. He grunts in surprise. "My Practicum award for most promising thesis." The trophy he pulls out is a translucent, smoke-gray obelisk ten centimeters tall that tapers to a wicked point. Abstract patterns thread through its center—non-magical, but evocative nonetheless. Blankenship looks at the shelves that you finally filled with your books and papers halfway through last semester. "I suppose I shall have to find a new home for it."