23.5 WHEN THE EARTH STOP SPINNING (Adult Version)

PUSH AND PULL

It had been two days since Ongsa left, and even Alpha was in the dark about her whereabouts. The uncertainty weighed heavily on the entire team, but especially on Sun.

Alpha, trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy and keep the project on track, called an emergency meeting with Sun and Saphan. The atmosphere in the conference room was tense, everyone acutely aware of Ongsa's absence.

Alpha started the meeting, her tone brisk and business-like. "We need to discuss what's the progress of the science books, we have to ensure that nothing falls through the cracks."

Sun nodded, forcing herself to focus. Sun's heart ached more than anyone knew. The emptiness left by Ongsa was a constant, gnawing pain.

Alpha glanced at Sun, sensing her distress but saying nothing. Instead, she focused on the task at hand, discussing the logistics and timelines.

As the meeting progressed, Alpha turned to Sun. "Sun, I need you to take the lead on talking to Ms Nida. You've always had a good rapport with her, and we can't afford to lose her trust now."

Sun nodded again; her mind still half-occupied with thoughts of Ongsa. "I understand. I'll make sure everything goes smoothly, and I already communicated with my company. They will send someone from our side to help expedite the editing process."

Alpha looked relieved, if only slightly. "Good. That will help. We can't afford any delays."

Saphan chimed in, "We should also reassess our current timelines and see where we can make adjustments to accommodate this new development."

Sun appreciated their efforts to keep things moving, but the ache in her chest was hard to ignore. She forced herself to participate actively in the meeting, offering suggestions and agreeing on new deadlines. However, her thoughts kept drifting back to Ongsa.

The meeting concluded with a clearer plan in place, and everyone left with their assigned tasks. As Sun walked back to her office, her phone buzzed with a message from her company confirming the arrival of additional support.

She sat down at her desk, the weight of Ongsa's absence pressing heavily on her. The added help from her company was a small comfort, but it didn't fill the void left by Ongsa's sudden departure.

Sun tried to lose herself in her work, reviewing documents and coordinating with her team. Yet, every now and then, her eyes would stray to her phone, hoping for a message from Ongsa that never came. The hours dragged on, and the normally bustling office felt eerily quiet and lonely.

As soon as she settled in the pantry, trying to make a coffee, she saw Prim and Alpha also trying to suppress the tiredness in their eyes. Sun felt a pang of empathy for them and an even sharper pang of guilt. The reality of her past actions weighed heavily on her heart, and she realized just how much pain she had caused Ongsa by leaving her seven years ago. It felt like history was repeating itself, but this time, she was on the receiving end of the abandonment.

Prim sighed, leaning against the counter. "I didn't know that Ongsa's absence will be this hard."

Sun's vision blurred with tears she could no longer hold back. She hastily wiped them away, but the effort was futile as new tears quickly replaced the old. Her throat tightened, and she struggled to contain her sobs, feeling an overwhelming weight of guilt and regret.

Alpha, noticing her distress, gently placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I'm tasting my own medicine, P'Alpha," Sun choked out, her voice quivering. "I didn't even know that this is so hard and painful"

Before Sun could say more, Alpha enveloped her in a tender hug. The warmth of Alpha's embrace offered a small measure of solace amidst the storm of emotions. "I know Ongsa just needs some time. She did this before, and I am worried too, I believe she'll be okay."