[Like a phoenix purged in constant flame to rise again and again...though, if Riley asked Trish to guess her animal basis, she'd guess parrot. Not out of any unkindness, but because what other colorful birds are there?

At this point, she's used to Riley's longer stretches of silence, since Riley seems to tread far too carefully no matter the subject matter.

And what comes out of her mouth eventually is a jumble of words. Expensive. Great programs. Great reputation. Scholarships. General enough to apply to any big school. So maybe, it isn't something that unique among the academic world.

However, Riley's addition is interesting, and Trish furrows her brows. Never mind obfuscating, this is...

She's not sure what this is. She hasn't been sure since she started talking to Riley. For everything she learns, only more questions crop up, although the questions themselves are vague, looming at the periphery of her conscience.]

Oh? Is that what you were doing back home, Riley?

[Riley sounded so peppy when she said it, like a cheerleader.

Hmph.]

I suppose that means you got more out of school than I did. You certainly have the energy for it.