Everything is Changed by Nova Weetman Page A

that day, I think I had something to prove and I put my hand up. I told him I thought the law of cause and effect was a pretty robust principle. Alex had nudged me with his elbow, impressed.
    Mr Cap smiled. Apparently my answer had just proven why science was so important. He went on to explain that some scientists do indeed believe that whatever you send into the universe comes back, and that every cause has its effect; and every effect, its cause. But that particular principle leaves no room for a thing called chance. And there is every possibility that the evolution of the planet was just one big magnificent accident.
    Mr Cap then wrote on the whiteboard in a red marker: ‘It is impossible to establish complete causality. That nobody can guarantee the particular manipulation of a variable is the sole reason for the perceived outcome.’
    There were sighs around the classroom, like science had just gotten hard. But Mr Cap didn’t seem to notice.
    My ears went red first. I felt stupid. Like the only time I put myself out there, I got it wrong. But instead of trying to humiliate me, Mr Cap explained how impressed he was that I’d know any of this at all. He said if we all came here to learn each week and left our prior beliefs at the door, we’d all make great scientists one day, because we’d be able to prove things for ourselves. That’s what science was. The chance to test out a theory and find a definitive answer. Alex walked out of the class underwhelmed, but I was sold from that very moment.
    I can see Mr Cap through the window. He’s reading at one of the desks and I knock lightly on the door. He takes ages to look up, but when he does he gets up straightaway and walks over to unlock the door.
    â€˜Jake,’ he says, like he hasn’t seen me in a really long time.
    â€˜Hey, Mr Cap,’ I say, heading to the desk where he’s sitting and feeling like I belong here.
    â€˜How are you?’
    Sitting down, I go to answer, but stop myself. I can’t just lie to Mr Cap. It’s not right. ‘I’m okay. You know.’
    â€˜I don’t know, but I can make an educated guess,’ he says with a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. ‘Is there anything wrong?’
    I shuffle my feet, and lean back in my chair, wanting some space from the conversation. I wonder what Mr Cap’s take on cause and effect would be if I told him what we did. Would he revise his scientific theory?
    â€˜Nah,’ I say finally.
    He nods. ‘Well, I wanted to see you, Jake.’
    â€˜Is it about the science program?’
    He nods slowly and my stomach shifts. This is what I need. Something to look forward to.
    â€˜Unfortunately, due to your poor attendance lately, the principal’s decided to send someone else.’
    â€˜What?’
    â€˜I’m sorry, Jake. You’re the best student here but you’ve missed days of school. And without any real explanation.’
    â€˜Not that many days,’ I say, my mind running backwards trying to count them all.
    â€˜Thirteen actually. That’s almost three weeks and we’re only in week six of term.’
    I can feel my face growing hot and the blush starting to spread.
    â€˜But I won’t miss another day. I promise. I’m here today.’
    He nods and I see the bald spot on the top of his head and for some reason it really disappoints me.
    â€˜It wasn’t my decision to make.’
    â€˜This sucks,’ I say, feeling like my body is about to explode.
    â€˜I know. But there’s always next year. And there’s the science prize. It’s not done, Jake. This isn’t everything.’
    But it is, Mr Cap. Don’t you get it? This is everything.
    â€˜I’ve got class,’ I say, getting up and making the stool leg drag along the floor like I know Mr Cap hates.
    I make it to the door before my eyes flood with tears.
    â€˜I’ll see you this afternoon, Jake.