helium

The old machine shop had been vacated a few months ago, a more modern replacement having been built about a block up the road. And when the university's maintenance department gave up their claim to the building, the science department swooped in and planted their flag. Having their experiment labs was nice, but they were too small. This allowed the department to work on larger-scale experiments. Fortunately, the robotics group had finished up their work in the shop on Friday afternoon, leaving the floor cleared and the weekend open for more unofficial activities.

Claire sighed as she finished her latest painting, setting her brush down and rubbing her eyes. Her mind was in distress, the fear of not making the payment on this month's rent stressing the poor girl out beyond belief. Her paintings and photography usually made enough money for the basic needs, but this month her sales had been particularly slow. Claire got up from her stool, hastily putting on her coat and walking outside, a walk she hoped would reduce her stress a bit.