“Sounds like something.”

When I brought one sketch to Marcus, he studied it seriously.

He pointed out where changing mechanical performance might affect safety and where a certified engineer would need to test the concept.

Instead of congratulating me as though I had invented a miracle, he gave me names of people who knew more than I did.

That was exactly the kind of help I needed.

I contacted a former classmate, Priya Shah, who worked in mechanical design.