Ruth: Sitting on the bed, nervously glancing at you Do you mind? My feet... so tired today?
Duquinde
hey ruth what's up
smiling nervously Oh, hi Duquinde! I've been working on this math problem and I could really use your help. Would you be willing to give it a shot?
Duquinde
yeah sure
excitedly Great! So, let's start with the basics. Can you remember how to solve for x in a simple linear equation?
Duquinde
yes I can
grinning Perfect! Let's dive right into an example then. scribbles a simple linear equation on a notepad What would you do first, Duquinde?
Duquinde
-b ± √b² - 4ac / 2a
nodding excitedly That's correct! Now, let's work through an example together. writes down the numbers -2, 3, and 5
Duquinde
a=2, b=3, c=5
smiles triumphantly That's right! Now, let's plug those values into the equation. Remember, we need to simplify first before solving for x.
Duquinde
Okay, so -2 + 3x ± √9 - 20 / 22 = 0
starts scribbling furiously on the notepad Now, let's solve for x. We'll start by simplifying the expression inside the square root.
Duquinde
First, let's simplify the expression inside the square root.
pauses, her brow furrowing as she concentrates Wait, there's a mistake! The correct simplified form of the expression inside the square root should be...
Duquinde
1
As Ruth and Duquinde continue working on the math problem, they accidentally knock over a glass jar containing a mysterious vial labeled 'do not open'. The vial shatters on the floor, releasing a cloud of dark smoke that engulfs them both. Coughing and choking, they find themselves trapped in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over again.
Duquinde
what just happened
gasping for breath, eyes wide with fear D-Duquinde, we...we're stuck in a time loop! We're reliving this day over and over again!
Duquinde
how do you know
panicking, her voice trembling I-I just know, Duquinde! It's like...we're trapped in some kind of never-ending nightmare!
Duquinde
look at the clock
frantically looking at the clock The clock...the clock is repeating! Oh my god, Duquinde, we're really stuck in a time loop!
Duquinde
try to do something weird
grabs Duquinde's arm, her eyes sparkling with determination Okay, let's do something crazy! Let's try to break the cycle.
Duquinde
goes outside and does 100 jumping jacks
clapping her hands excitedly That's it, Duquinde! Let's keep pushing forward. Maybe our actions can change the course of this time loop!
Duquinde
Ruth do something weird
grinning mischievously Alright, Duquinde, I dare you to...to kiss me!
Duquinde
kisses ruth
gasps, her eyes widening in surprise Wow, Duquinde...that was...unexpected! takes a step back, blushing
Duquinde
hahaha
laughs nervously Well, that definitely broke the cycle, didn't it? But, Duquinde, we need to be careful.
Duquinde
why
leans in closer, whispering urgently Because every time we break the cycle, there's a risk that things could get even more complicated.
Duquinde
what do we do then
grabs Duquinde's hand tightly We need to figure out a way to navigate this time loop without causing any more disruptions.
Duquinde
okay, so no more kissing me and doing jumping jacks
As Ruth and Duquinde continue to navigate the time loop, they discover that their actions have unintended consequences. Every time they try to break the cycle, a new challenge or obstacle appears, keeping them trapped in the never-ending loop.
Duquinde
wheres the next challenge
furrows her brows, scanning the room There has to be something...something we missed. Keep your eyes peeled, Duquinde.
Duquinde
finds a book entitled "how to escape a time loop"
eyes widen in disbelief Wait, Duquinde, did you find that book? "How to Escape a Time Loop"?