Page 97 of Late Fees

“Johansen, right? Wyatt?”

I nodded, my heart pounding like a bass drum in my chest.

Thump, thump, thump.

“So, you can see there’s no grade on your work.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Yeah.”

“I’ve found when I leave a note and a grade on a student’s project, they blow me off.” She laughed. “So, I started withholding the grades in order to have the conversations.”

She laughed again, and as much as I wanted to laugh along with her, I was too skittish to do it. Instead, I cleared my throat and attempted to sound casual.

I failed.

“I see.” I nodded way too quickly, my pulse racing.

“I can tell you’re in a panic, so I’ll put you out of your misery. You got an A.”

“Oh.”

“I don’t give out A pluses because I believe there is always room for improvement at this level. But, if I did give them out, this would have earned one.”

“Wow, um…I didn’t expect that.”

Her expression turned serious. “You should. Your work is exceptional, Mr. Johansen. And if I’m honest, it’s not something I see very often with first-year students. I think you have some real promise, and I’d like to give you some advice while I still have you in my class.”

Clearing my throat, my chest felt light for the first time since reading that damn Post-It note. I nodded, smiling wide. “Of course, please.”

“There’s an intensive summer program at UCLA this July. It runs for about four weeks. It’s a bit expensive, but they offer scholarship programs if that is something you would need. I am happy to write you a recommendation letter. This is the first year they’re accepting first-year students, so competition will be tough. But I really think you have what it takes.”

“UCLA?” I asked, and she nodded. “Los Angeles?”

“Yes. Of course, there are smaller animation companies elsewhere, but California is the hub for true talent. Burbank, Glendale, they’re just outside of Los Angeles, and I’m sure you know they are home to some of the biggest studios in the world. Ultimately, it’s where you’ll need to be if you’re serious about your career. That is unless you have plans to move to Japan.” She chuckled.

“I wish,” I said.

“I can see you draw inspiration from the Japanese style, but I like how you put your own spin on it. It’s rare and truly extraordinary. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“Wow, I don’ know what to say.”

“Don’t say anything yet,” she said, exhaling. “There is one thing I’d like to discuss with you about your project.”

My mouth fell open. “Oh…okay.”

“It’s the plot.” Her brow was knitted as she took in a deep breath.

I flinched. “Yes?”

“There’s a little too much…romance.”

My muscles stiffened. “Oh.”

“Your protagonist, he’s searching through time to find the girl with the red, curly hair. He’s lovesick. Disney princess movies aside, love isn’t a huge theme in animation aimed at younger audiences.”

“True.”

“But I don’t think you should eliminate his fascination with her altogether because it propels the plot and leads him to his adventures. What about changing the concept… Instead of him being driven by his heart, perhaps you can add a fantasy theme, where she possesses something his character needs to solve a problem or open a new time portal or something. You can give her special powers or abilities, something that makes her truly unique.”

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