white-coated researcher grapples with unresolved dilemma

scientist tictactoe challenge fear failure white coat desk ripple representation solution game daunting reveal riddle anxiety dominate reflection ward mirror confrontation workspace sanctity emotion trepidation adult woman quandary plump worry palpable research irony grapple problem trepid purity engage dilemma shadow metaphor overwhelm thought unfold loom symbolic distance burden unresolved struggle white-coated researcher grapples unsolvable tic-tac-toe frustrates bay reminding challenges tough everyone matter expertise scientist