The Love Hypothesis

A few days later, Olive is working in the lab when Greg, one of her lab mates, storms in. Adam failed his dissertation proposal, which will set him back months. Unsure what to say, Olive apologizes, feeling genuinely sorry. Greg gets in her face, saying she doesn’t care because if she did “you wouldn’t be able to stomach being with him” (115). He accuses her of only caring about herself and tells her to dump Adam if she respects their class at all before storming out. Chase, another of her lab mates, apologizes for Greg’s behavior before also leaving.

Back at her apartment, Olive texts Adam to ask about her lab mate. She argues that he could present his feedback in a less condescending way. Adam disagrees. He believes that he’s setting students up for the rigors of a career in academia, and they shouldn’t take criticism of their work personally. Olive can’t see his perspective because it’s so counter to the self-doubt and fear she experiences. She sends a childish and insulting reply before her phone nearly dies.

Monday, Olive is on the way to the picnic with her friends but doesn’t want to go or see Adam.