Fusion and Iron

30. The Synthesis of Strength

An unmistakable silhouette of a blocky household stood proudly at the end of a busy suburban street, the blend between mid-century suburbia and futuristic design. The house, painted in a marble white with a blue trim, had a strangely inviting look to it. The signature circular window sat prominently on the upper level, framed perfectly in the center of the house. The architecture leaned toward science fiction, though with the clean lines and lack of ornamentation, it gave a modern and minimal look to it.

In the late afternoon sun, the house gleamed slightly. The smooth walls reflected the golden light, the beams peering in through the windows. A short walkway led to the front door, well taken care of and cleaned up. The grass was a perfect two inches, not a singular meter of this lawn done uncut.

The houses beside it looked pale or dull in comparison, something far more traditional. A small two-story home with a peaked roof and wooden shutters were on one side, and a ranch-style home on the other. Each had tidy lawns and flowerbeds, though they didn't have an extrinsic style like the Utonium residence.

The street itself was quiet, the only sounds of rustling leaves, distant hovercars, and running lawnmowers as background noise. The sun beamed over the road, shadows stretching towards the house and blaring through the open windows of the airy interior. The rooms themselves had high ceilings and smooth, polished walls painted with a pastel color. The floor had a plush, cream-colored carpet that nearly massaged the bare feet and shoes that walked across it.

A large, retro-styled sofa sat in the center of the room. In front of it was a coffee table, round with a glass top and chrome legs. A couple of magazines were stacked neatly, including a small vase of fresh lilies. It added a subtle nature to the modern environment so it didn't feel too bland. Finally, sitting on a small stand in the corner, was a small television. It wasn't the latest model, though it was still sturdy and reliable. Right beside it, a sleek but cozy armchair sat next to a standing lamp. It was a staple of the household, the throne perfect for reading or relaxing after a busy day.

One wall was dominated by one of the several large circular windows, slightly peered open. Frame by the curtains that acted as the only clothes it had, they gently drifted in the soft breeze that blew in. The other had a simple wooden bookshelf, holding different knick-knacks from books to papers, to a few framed photographs. Most of the books were related to different kinds of sciences, as well as a few children's storybooks on their shelves. Taking up space were a few small mementos including scientific models, a framed diploma, and a couple of trophies awarded for such impeccable work.
The room itself was clean, yet not overly squeaky clean. There was a clear sense of life here, a room that was recently used. A flat-board stairway led up to the house's second floor, the top walkway towards the rooms safely protected by a guard rail. Right beside the open-glass doors towards the backyard, a bundle of firewood logs was sealed behind a glass case underneath a prominent stone brick fireplace near the center of it all.

The man standing by the kitchen door shoved his hands into the pockets of his crisp, white lab coat. Though it was neatly pressed, the edges showed the wear of countless late nights and high-stakes projects. His dark hair, now threaded with more gray than before, stood as evidence of the stress he had carried over the years. Yet, despite all that, his posture remained straight, and his polished shoes gleamed in the sunlight.

His brow furrowed in mild confusion as he processed the unusual request. He blinked a few times, the aging lines around his eyes deepening, worn down from both smiling and worrying over the girls. Clearing his throat, he kept his tone steady, though there was a hint of reluctance in his voice. "This is... quite the request. I've tackled plenty of medical work in my time, but psychology might be a bit out of my scope."

Although he didn't dismiss it, it was clear he was hesitating. He wasn't unfamiliar with life-altering inventions, but this was different. The weight of both positive and negative outcomes teetered heavily on his mind.