"Sy Ableman !?"

"Oh, Clive. Come in. So, uh, what can I do for you?"

"Uh, Dr. Gopnik, I believe the results of Physics Mid-Term were unjust.

"Uh-huh, how so?

"I received an unsatisfactory grade. In fact: F, the failing grade."

"Uh, yes. You failed the mid-term. That's accurate."

"Yes, but this is not just. I was unaware to be examined on the mathematics."

"Well-you can't do physics without mathematics, really, can you."

"If I receive failing grade I lose my scholarship, and feel shame. I understand the physics. I understand the dead cat."

"You understand the dead cat?"

*nod*

"But... you... you can't really understand the physics without understanding the math. The math tells how it really works. That's the real thing; the stories I give you in class are just illustrative; they're like, fables, say, to help give you a picture. An imperfect model. I mean-even I don't understand the dead cat. The math is how it really works."

"Very difficult... very difficult..."

"Well, I... I'm sorry, but I... what do you propose?"

"Passing grade."

"No no, I-"

"Or perhaps I can take the mid-term again. Now I know it covers mathematics."

"Well, the other students wouldn't like that, would they. If one student gets to retake the test til he gets a grade he likes."

"Secret test."

"No, I'm afraid-"

"Hush-hush."

"No, that's just not workable. I'm afraid we'll just have to bite the bullet on this thing, CLIVE, and-"

"Very troubling. Very troubling..."

( Sy Ableman !? )