Leo sat by the window, the early morning sunlight casting a warm glow over the campus as she sipped her tea. Her mind drifted to the tasks ahead - preparing for her research project and attending a lecture on abnormal psychology.
Though her real name was Leonore, everyone called her Leo. She cherished the nickname, feeling it made her more approachable and connected to others. But as she went about her daily life, there was a heavy burden on her heart. Her mother's memory was slowly slipping away, like an old photograph fading into obscurity.
At first, it seemed innocuous - misplaced keys, forgotten appointments. But soon, it became evident that something more sinister was at play. They called it a mysterious disease, one that people often associated with the elderly. Yet, it's true nature remained an enigma, and its impact was devastating.
Leo understood there was more to it than people realized. Too many people were forgetting things in their world, and that was one of the reasons they had failed to recognize the signs with their mother. This realization only fueled her determination to study psychology.
One day, after an intense lecture on human genetics, Leo was approached by her psychology professor, Dr. Hale. He asked her to meet him in a secluded area within the university, and she couldn't shake the feeling of apprehension that washed over her.
Reluctantly, Leo followed Dr. Hale to the designated spot, where she was met by a group of distinguished individuals. Their serious expressions and formal attire hinted at the gravity of the situation. Leo's heart pounded as they revealed an unexpected revelation.
"You, Leo, possess a unique genetic marker," one of them spoke, their gaze locked with hers. "It's not the exact marker of the disease, but it makes you immune to it."
Leo couldn't comprehend the implications of their words. She was right all the time? The disease of her mother was a disease that spared no one? And she was immune to it?
"We've found eleven others like you," another person added. "Together, your genetic markers might hold the key to understanding this disease and finding a cure."
Why her? Why them? Leo's mind raced with confusion.
"Because we believe you can be the glue that holds this group together," the first person explained. "You have the ability to connect with people, to make them listen and cooperate. That's crucial for our mission."
The weight of their words sank in. They needed her help, and in return, they promised to assist her mother. It was an offer she couldn't refuse, despite her fears and uncertainties. Deep down, Leo knew this was her chance to make a difference, to potentially save her mother and others from the clutches of the disease.
After leaving the clandestine meeting, Leo returned home with conflicting emotions. Sitting at the dinner table with her mother and sister, she watched her mother's moments of forgetfulness, poignant reminders of the affliction slowly claiming her.
Over a bittersweet meal, Leo spoke with her sister, Clemence, about her upcoming "study trip" with the other eleven individuals. She couldn't bring herself to reveal the whole truth; the burden was too heavy. Instead, she focused on the importance of the assignment and the potential it held for her future.
As the day went on, Leo made her preparations. Packing her bags and saying her goodbyes, she tried to suppress the overwhelming fear gnawing at her heart. Once she embarked on this journey, there might be no turning back. It was a path filled with uncertainty and danger, but she had to walk it, for her mother's sake.
