Carlos had always considered himself a helpful person. It was one of the reasons everyone liked him. If someone forgot notes, Carlos had them. If someone needed a ride, Carlos offered. If someone needed help carrying a project across campus, Carlos somehow ended up doing most of the lifting. It was simply who he was.

Unfortunately for him, that particular trait would eventually lead to the complete destruction of his common sense.

The whole thing started after their afternoon economics lecture.

The classroom was emptying rapidly when Stacy approached his desk clutching an envelope against her chest. Carlos recognized her vaguely from class. Nice girl. Quiet. Usually sat near the front.

"Carlos?" she asked nervously.

He looked up from shoving textbooks into his backpack. "Yeah?"