"Dumbledoring better than Dumbledore for fun and profit," says Bella, with authority.

Darren laughs. "Obviously I need to get into Advanced Ethics. Once I make sure I don't fail out of Remedial Ethics."

"First things first," admonishes Bella.

"Fine, fine, but I am just excited by the prospects and now I'm driven to achieve!"

"Ah, but are you driven to study? 'Why Not To Hold Up Convenience Stores: Chapter Six."

"I'll be driven to study. I'll change my ways, just watch, Bella!"

"I am skeptical."

"Because of my ongoing history of inability to perform well in ethical classes? Aww, but I can change!"

"I suppose you'll just have to prove it to me. Describe the main theme of Why Not To Rob Convenience Stores: Chapter Six."

"Because," says Darren, "not only does it put an innocent store owner in a lot of financial trouble, but it is overwhelmingly likely to end badly for the robber."

"Hmmm. Could have used some more elaboration. B-plus."

"I'll take it!"

"Yes, that's really the best you can hope for as a remedial student. What are you going to write your midterm essay about?"

"Hmmm. Chapter seven's section on 'Why arson is bad.'"

"What's your thesis statement?"

"It has the high potential of injuring people, even killing them, and causes large amounts of property damage. This includes things that are irreplaceable, like scrapbooks."

"You will probably do very well on your midterm. There is hope yet."

"Hurray! I'm not hopeless! There is a chance!"

"Maybe you can have a stunning comeback and eventually get an advanced ethics degree and know not to take bribes, water down beverages, or under-tip waitresses. Optional minor in vegetarianism." Om nom fish.

"Complicated stuff, that sounds like too much for me right now. But it's something to look forward to, if I can manage it."

"One day," she says optimistically, patting his hand.

She will not be upset! They can hold hands and finish their dinners. That is nice.

Yes, yes it is. Dinner, nom nom nom. It's kind of a struggle with his non-dominant hand, but Darren will manage.

Bella has her right hand available so she is unimpeded. Soon she is all done.