The classroom buzzed with curiosity about the new professor. The boys’ conversation grew more animated, each exaggerating what little they’d heard or imagined.

“I heard she’s from abroad,” one whispered dramatically, as if it made her more exotic.

“Yeah, and she’s published papers already. Real genius material,” another added.

As the chatter continued, Regina sat quietly by the window, her fingers lightly tracing the edge of her notebook, her expression unreadable.

Beautiful, ...