“I have to cancel my and Joachim Andersson’s project for personal reasons.” She said it in as firm a voice as she could, but inside she felt it wavering.

She had spoken to Fredric that evening very briefly but said she had to arrange a few things before they could see each other again.

She hadn’t spoken to Joachim at all.

He refused to answer her text messages and then she stopped contacting him.

She respected that she had ruined his chances, but she wasn’t going to let that happen.

That’s why she was standing here now.

“Private reasons?

Death?”

“Private.”

“I’m sorry,” he said, “but unless it’s a death in the family or other extraordinary reasons, I can’t do anything but refuse your request, and the consequence, as you know, will be missing grades.”

“I am aware of that.”

“So?”

“I’m prepared to take them.” He nodded.

“Then I see we’re done here.

But please consider your decision.

You have a few days.”

“There was one more thing.

Joachim has nothing to do with this.

His grades shouldn’t be affected.”

“Unfortunately, it does.

He will not be able to submit a new project due to current regulations.”

“You can’t punish him for withdrawing?!” she said in dismay.

“That will be the effect of your actions and if I were you I would think about withdrawing your participation once again.” Then he said in a more personal tone: “Your project is probably the oddest we have seen at ARTAI and that is not saying much.

I understand if things get complicated with your progression in the project.

But it is your choice and if I were you I would think about this.

Not least for Joachim’s sake.

Have a good day Miss van der Hoebooken.”

He showed her the door and she went out.

There was no way to save Joachim except for Fredric letting her continue the project.

She went down to the cafeteria and dialed his number.

Some people are not looking for attention. They are looking for something real.