Chapter Text
Hazel Nuss was a young woman who felt like the world was falling apart for her. She stared at her college’s web page, knowing full well of the letter that was coming in. It would happen any day now. She’d be kicked out. She was never good with turning things in. And didn’t like to do work that was too rigid. She personally thought it might be ADHD, but every test always came back with “Gifted in Creative Thinking” and “psychics tend to be more neurodivergent, so it’s so lucky that you/your child doesn’t need any help! In fact, she needs more work!”
“Hazel!” Her mother called. “Mail for you!”
Hazel finally pushed herself out of bed, still in her robe.
“Hazel!”
“I’m coming!” Hazel called back to her mother, trying to hide her fear. She ran down the stairs and walked down the hallway to her mother, who was by the front door. She was handed two letters and at the top was her college. She retreated back upstairs and read. “Oh. Academic probation…” She muttered. She shifted on her feet for a moment. “‘S not so bad… been on it before.” She then looked at the other letter.
The brain was a dead giveaway, but the name made it all the more bitter. Odd.
She had already gotten her rejection letter about the internship program…
Hazel opened it up and read.
“Dear Hazel Nuss:
“The Intern Program has opened up once again. Looking through the applications, we are pleased to inform you that–”
Hazel was tearing up as she stopped reading the letter. “I GOT IN!”
“OW!” Her sister called from her room.
“I–!" Hazel winced, feeling her sister's ringing ears like her own. "Sorry Michelle.”
“What’s going on? What did you get in?”
Hazel went into Michelle’s room and allowed her to read the letter.
“Well, congratulations. You better tell mom and dad, and start packing.”
“Huh?”
“Read the whole letter, Hazel.”
Hazel read the rest, seeing an apologies for late notices and inability to cover fare for an expenses paid trip. And an understanding if Hazel couldn’t make it.
“I can probably drive myself if mom and dad are busy with work.”
“There’s no way mom and dad would let you.”
“Are you kidding? I’ve been having to deal with these powers and use them already for my internship with the EPA. The Psychonauts are the people who can understand and teach me more!”
Michelle patted her sister on the back. “Alright but still. Go tell mom and dad.”
Hazel nodded and ran back downstairs.