4

After a few moments' thought, you decide to tell Robin that, if you were in his position, you would remember that the details of your research are the most important thing. As long as you focus on all the reasons why you're interested in the research, and show just how passionate you are about it, it should be obvious that it's worth other people's attention. You wouldn't have to suddenly be a perfect historian; you'd just have to make it obvious you care about what you're talking about, and you think other people should too. Which, in Robin's case, is the truth.

You're a little worried at first that your advice is too simple to really help—but as you start to say it, you realize that might be all that's needed. It won't help Robin to overwhelm him with tips when all you can really do is assure him that he can do this.

You know that nothing you say can ever magically transform Robin into a totally different person with all the confidence he could ever need. But as you say what you've decided to say, you can see right away that it makes an impression on him—especially the part about not needing to be perfect. He stands up a little straighter, and though you can tell he's still scared, you don't think it's going to stop him. In fact, you think he might have realized it doesn't matter if he's scared. He can be scared and still go ahead.

It takes him a moment to reply, but when he does, he simply thanks you. You can tell he really means it.

At last, he squares his shoulders—and before he can change his mind, he ducks through a doorway and out of sight.

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