บท 104: Answer

The stares, fingers, and mummers came in his direction like tidal waves, cautious yet also admiring. As if a stigma was craved to his body, everyone avoided him and pointed at him. It took moments to realize why, as the screens filled the hall. It was his earlier actions.

It also took another moment to find Emma in the crowd, standing next to the reason for his earlier failure and realization. He felt torn between whether to bring attention to her or to act like a stranger. He was conscious of the image he had painted of himself. 

"Arthur?" His worries disappeared when she was the one to walk over, singled out by the crowd. "You…" She stumbled on words to find. "You did well?" It wasn't a question, but a statement filled with uncertainty as if she wasn't sure what to say. 

"Yeah, it's good that you've passed as well," Arthur smile warily. "I've caused quite a mess, I think." He said apologetically.