The Scientist He Erased Returns

Clevel

abrupt departure from my "home." I carried the last of my meager belongings-a single box of books and a worn backpack-up the thre

f the door to my assigned room, stood Alston. And beside him, Kiara, her

uiet corridor. "What a surprise! Just telling Alston about my new research

eadable. A slight tilt of his head, a contemplative frown. He

ffered, gesturing vaguely at my box.

ers. "No, thank you, Kiara. I'm perfectly capable." My voice w

econd, then snapped back into place. "Oh, of

stepping forward. Without a word, he reached f

you doing? I thought you were just about to check the Phase Two sche

took it from me, effortlessly. "Which room is

barely a whisper.

t of stunned silence, hurried to catch up, her

to follow Kiara, to listen to her, to let her touch him. He had always been so averse to physical contact, so emotion

. I was efficient. I was indisp

e. He turned, his gaze sweeping the sparse room. "You're staying in the dorms?" he asked, a hi

ice regaining its steel. "The one we were s

rug. "Oh. I see. Well, that's... practical, I suppose." He paus

t. I made sure to highlight all the points we need to discuss.

ched them go, two figures etched against the bland institutional

. That was me. Always practical. Never loved. Never ch

failed experiment. The real sting was his indifference when I had poured my heart into decorating "our" future home. The real sting wasn't th

familiar prickle of unshed tears. But

iness stretched before me. And in that moment, I realized the deepest cut wasn't t