The Universe Beyond Ours

Chapter 1 (Part 3)

     As the sun graces the horizon the following day, its gentle warmth fills the air. The weather holds a delicate balance, neither too hot nor too cold—just perfect. The melodious hum of the wind drifts down the street outside Denis' residence, acting like a soothing soundtrack to the morning. In the garden, vibrant flowers bloom, their hues painting a vivid contrast against the lush greenery. Isn't it truly marvellous to be in tune with nature's symphony?

     However, despite nature's soothing embrace, the morning holds little respite for Denis, who must attend his classes. Yet, there is a silver lining—it's an online session, which is a format that Denis finds preferable. An unconventional choice for many, perhaps, but one that suits him well. Within the confines of his home office, Denis settles into his chair, engrossed in the virtual lesson unfolding on his laptop screen. As he immerses himself in the lecture, the teacher's voice fills the room, guiding him through the day's educational journey.

"Radioactivity is a phenomenon in which there is a spontaneous decay of an unstable atomic nuclei. Hence, radiation is produced and emitted. Since its discovery at the turn of the twentieth century, it has improved our understanding of the atom and its behaviour," the teacher stated. "To begin, let's understand the basic concept of an atom. As we all know, atoms are the building blocks of matter and consist of a nucleus in the centre, composed of protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons. Normally, the nucleus is stable, but, in certain cases, it can become unstable due to an imbalance of protons and neutrons."

     Denis finds himself grappling with distractions, his thoughts drifting to the potential reception of the animation he's crafting. Will it garner the attention he hopes for? The prospect of its success fuels his excitement, prompting him to make a spontaneous decision. Switching off his camera during the online class, Denis reaches for his trusty tablet, eager to dive into his creative process.

"Seems like many of you have chosen to keep your cameras off. Let's engage a bit, shall we, class?" the teacher remarked with a hint of weariness seeping into her voice. "Can anyone enlighten us on the three primary types of radiation emitted during radioactive decay? How about you, Denis d'Avillio DeVitt?"

Denis' eyes widened as he activated his microphone. "Uhm... alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays," he answered tentatively.

"Correct!" the teacher replied with a smile.

     Denis takes a moment to centre himself before delving back into his artwork. Focused on his drawing, he catches a glimpse of Drew's presence in the online class, even though Drew's camera remains inactive. The familiarity of Drew's name displayed beneath the profile picture confirms his identity, prompting a furrow in Denis' eyebrows as he gazes intently in Drew's direction. In an effort to shake off the unsettling sensation, Denis shakes his head and redirects his attention to his creative pursuit. Yet, an unexpected tremor courses through his hands as he sketches.

     As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a cooling veil over the surroundings, Denis retreats to his office, sealing off the outside world by closing the windows. There, he sets up to record himself, blending his soulful singing with the gentle hum of the guitar. The tranquil melody weaves through the room, merging the rich timbre of Denis' voice with the melodic strumming of the guitar.

"I don't know how I'll move on after you left me behind. I was there for you, all there, caring and kind. If there were a button in life, I would click Rewind. Now you're nothing but just a plague in my mind. If there's a thing I know, it is I will go on. But in this life, it's just so hard to move on. You've deserted me, and now I am alone. I've been blown; I've been thrown; your true self has shown. Why would you choose me over somebody that you barely see and say you're not free? When I count to three, I now got nobody, while you have a lady, but wait, how about me? You always say that I am your friend—that you'll trust me 'till the very end. But now, look at what you have done. From your side, I am completely gone," he sang.

     As Denis' fingers dance along the strings of the guitar, a sense of release washes over him, lifting the weight that had settled within his heart. Gradually, the music softens and fades away, leaving a tranquil silence in its wake. In that moment of quiet, a gentle smile curves across Denis' lips. Is there anything quite as freeing as releasing the hold that someone who once caused you pain had over you? The answer, for Denis, becomes clear—it most certainly is.