My laptop should be here." He gestured at the empty desk. "It was when I left." He turned to Daniel. "Okay, obviously between the fire and the crash, Mom hasn't come home. But she didn't take my laptop. She told me to pack it. I didn't.""Why?" Sam said."Because my homework's on it," he said, in a tone that implied this was a stupid question. "Laptop perishes in the fire? I get a free pass on every assignment.
In this excerpt, a character is expressing frustration about the absence of his laptop, which he believes should have been at his empty desk before leaving. He notes that despite the chaos caused by a fire and an accident, his mother had instructed him to bring the laptop home, but he didn’t do so. The significance of the laptop lies in the homework stored on it, and he regrets not packing it because if it were lost in the fire, he would be exempt from completing any assignments.
The conversation highlights the character's prioritization of academic responsibilities against the backdrop of a crisis. He views the potential loss of his homework as a silver lining amidst the turmoil, reflecting a somewhat cynical attitude towards his schoolwork. This moment adds depth to the character, illustrating how even in chaotic situations, concerns about schoolwork can still overshadow more serious issues.
