**Competition Day One - 7:00 AM**
Emily stood in front of the hotel mirror, adjusting her clothes for the third time. Simple but professional dark slacks, a white blouse, hair pulled back in a neat ponytail. The uniform of someone serious about academics without trying to impress.
Behind her, Timothy appeared in the mirror's reflection, already dressed in one of his impeccable suits.
"You look perfect," he said, his hands settling on her shoulders. "Nervous?"
"Terrified," Emily admitted. "But not about the physics."
Timothy turned her around to face him. "Your Teacher will recognize your work. Victoria will try something. And somewhere in that venue, there might be someone looking for every possible means to cause trouble"
"When you list it like that, it sounds impossible," Emily said.
"You've survived impossible before," Timothy reminded her. He kissed her forehead gently. "Just be brilliant. Everything else, we'll handle."
