We were all directed to our exam stations.

Geology, yes that subject many aspire to for quite obvious reasons for those who thrive on outdoor flourish.

“The professors Ostrich, Mister and Mrs,have this cynical whimsical air of peerless inspection.

Usually when they have designed an exam replete with lethal mousetraps!!”

Magnolia the geology student like a horror movie addict bracing herself for a “SHRIEK” peak apotheosis.

Then she tentatively removed the sinister looking  cloth covering the various “specimens” a euphemism, field of reference, soft spin term, that would encompass microscopic slides.

“I doubt if they’ll be that challenging. Two  slides two slides in any case.”

Then Magnolia had this unsettled expression.

“Rocks, minerals, I can cope with but…. crystallographic question?”

She almost fainted  … but regained her composure.

“It’s actually quite uncomplicated  but …. I skimmed through it last night but didn’t seem a serious exam candidate.”

But would she overcome the blurred and hazy contours of a section not anticipated even in a mild amorphous sense.

Basically it was the least pressing complication  as it transpired.

“I’ll address the crystallographic mineral axis segment last.”

Magnolia adroitly.

The slides were next in that nerve-inducing sequence.

One posed no threat to this intellectually endowed candidate yet the “OTHER ONE” evokes a frozen stymie expression.

“Haven’t ever encountered its resemblance but maybe it will be my SHOT IN THE DARK .”

And the  clock ticked ominously, the typical solemn alert to lassitude which might creep in.

As Magnolia suddenly asserted herself and adjusted the cherry oak sturdy  chair she was sitting on until it was sufficiently comfy.

It then dawned on her how gemstone treasured  exam time was and how adjustments had to be made in terms of adapting to cryptic crossword of a circumstance