4th Wall Time!

[puzzledprof]

That was certainly unexpected.

Comments

[aquamarine]

I'm... not very good at puzzles.

[puzzledprof]

A pity. They're quite enjoyable.

[aquamarine]

Maybe you could give me some pointers?

[puzzledprof]

The real key is critical thinking, creativity, and tenacity. Have that, and no puzzle will elude you for long.

[aquamarine]

Good advice.

Sometimes I feel like a dummy because I don't tend to be very good at puzzles. I'm too much of a straightforward thinker.

[puzzledprof]

Puzzles are only one way of exercising the mind, I'm sure you're quite intelligent. Out of curiosity, then, what is your preferred method?

[aquamarine]

It's kind of you to say that, Professor.

Hmm. Sometimes I like to take notes while I'm thinking through a puzzle. Tracing the steps that I've made. That sort of thing.

[puzzledprof]

Well, thank you.

Ah, documentation is always a good idea. In some lines of work, it's absolutely necessary.