The Report Card

The next day, Mrs. Byrne calls Nora to the library. Once the library clears, Mrs. Byrne casually asks how Nora felt about yesterday’s tests with Dr. Trindler. Nora says it was a little fun, and she thinks she scored about average. Mrs. Byrne admits that she heard some news that morning when she carpooled to school with Dr. Trindler’s assistant. The assistant, bursting to spill exciting office secrets, shared that Nora’s IQ score translates to a shocking 188—well above genius. Mrs. Byrne warns Nora that this development might complicate her situation, and she doesn’t want anyone getting hurt. Nora reassures her, “Don’t be worried. Tests and grades don’t matter that much—remember?” (88). Mrs. Byrne laughs, and Nora sincerely thanks her for her help.

During lunch, Nora sits at her regular table with a group of girls, next to Stephen and his friends’ table. Nora overhears Merton Lake, a boy she doesn’t particularly like, ridiculing Stephen for suggesting that scientists might travel to the sun one day. Being one of the class’s smartest kids, Merton participates in the school’s gifted program and comes from a family of Harvard graduates. Stephen defends his position, reasoning that maybe humanity can visit the sun when it burns out.