One last exam, one more sleepless night. All the fretting was for naught, though. I got into the exam and was totally…Zen, as the chef would say. I flowed from one sugar item to the next and was done early (again!). There was a tenuous moment when I was mounting the piece where I was only 50% sure it wouldn’t fall. I chose a risky and/or stupid design, but I was proud that I did it, because aesthetically pleasing or not, I wanted to be original. The piece never fell, and I was relieved when the chef began the grading.

And then I was sad. They did a little toast with champagne before we left, congratulating us on a job well done. I lamented the fact that I may never again make anything in those ill-equipped kitchens again, and probably will never work under the guidance of any of our chefs again. I felt proud, but sad. And tired. I wonder if my sculpture is still standing…