No. 172 - Platypus

“Take the platypus, for example. They’ve been around forever. Good design doesn’t have to look good, it just has to work,” said the professor.

The students all nodded and the noise of the scribbling pens increased.

Gabriel Martin wrote down the word “platypus” and underlined it twice. There was something hovering just outside of his brain. He meant to try to catch it after class.

“What’re you up to? I haven’t seen you in like a week,” said Sharon over the counter of the campus coffee shop.

Gabriel looked around, and then leaned in conspiratorially as he picked up his drink. “Remember last time I was in here?”

“Yeah,” said Sharon. “You monopolized the cosy chair all night. People complained.”

Gabriel didn’t really listen to her reply.

“I figured it out,” he whispered.

“Figured what out?”

Gabriel coughed and jerked his chin at the other customers. “I can’t tell you here. Come by my place tonight when you get off.”

“Ok,” agreed Sharon.

Gabriel turned and made for the exit with his mocha.

“Oh,” he said, calling over his shoulder. “Remember to wear boots.”