Never Let Me Go

Everlasting Light

Prologue 

I shoved whatever was lying around my garbage dump of a room, into my suitcase. 

My brain was hyper-focused on what I needed to bring with me. 

Deodorant? Check. Toothpaste? Check. 

What was I missing? Did I need to bring something formal? 

I rolled my eyes and stuffed a dress into the crook over my over-stuffed suitcase, just in case. 

I trembled with excitement at the thought of going to Iceland for my marine and freshwater life research project. 

After a miserable two years in London's drabbest institution, I made it to the top of my classes. 

This trip was something I've been working towards my whole career at uni. 

I spoke with all my professors and peers about any opportunities in my field. The second they informed me that graduate students across London had the chance to research marine studies in Iceland, I jumped at the opportunity. 

Now I stand in my cluttered room freaking out. 

Do I need this many tampons? 

Good lord this was a chance of a lifetime and I was worried about feminine hygiene products. 

I stuffed whatever I had into a separate carry-on and slipped on a pair of fluffy boots. 

My hair was thrown up in a clip and I wore a lazy grey sweatsuit. 

The airport was not about to see me at my best.

I hated flying.  

The turbulence and the ear-popping were enough to make me vomit. 

I made sure to grab a sturdy neck pillow, my headphones and a couple of sleeping pills before I scrambled down the steps. 

My dad waited at the bottom of the steps with a little blue book in his aged hands. 

"Forgetting something Aubriella?" 

I tumbled down the stairs and snatched my passport out of my father's hands greedily. 

He laughed. 

"Thanks, pa" 

I wrapped my arms around his tall figure and he hugged me back tightly. 

Pulling back, he placed a small kiss on my forehead and I smiled. 

"Have the time of your life Brie" he prompted. 

My shoulders drooped as I was pulled back into reality. 

"I'm nervous Dad" I confessed. 

He bent down and grabbed my suitcase off the floor. 

I followed him out of the front door towards my car. 

"Aubriella you are the smartest girl I know, you are going to do great." he laughed. 

I fidgeted with the sleeves of my shirt. 

"Call me at least once a week while you're gone please" 

I rolled my eyes. 

He knew I'd call him every day. 

Ever since we lost my mother to cancer, my dad and I have built an unbreakable bond. 

We both went through something unimaginable, that bonded us for life. 

"Be safe Brie, please." he pleaded.