MAYA, my love.

CHAPTER 25

"Are you back already?" Ein inquired, a hint of concern in his voice.

"No, I am merely here today to collect the reports submitted by Arthur. After that, I shall return to my quarters. They have not permitted me to work yet, but at least I can engage with some research materials. I will officially resume my duties the day after tomorrow. How is the testing progressing?" Mey responded, sifting through the cupboards filled with documents.

"The testing is proceeding remarkably well, Doctor! I was genuinely excited to observe such promising results. We possessed invaluable data that we failed to recognize for an extended period. It is quite astonishing that more investments were not made in plasma transfusions previously," Ein remarked, his eyes reflecting enthusiasm and dedication. He was undoubtedly a workaholic, which made Mey comfortable entrusting tasks to him. His commitment to his work was commendable, though he sometimes exhibited a rather literal mindset, clinging to outdated methods—albeit with gradual improvement over time.

Mey smiled upon hearing the positive news. "It is delightful to hear. Please continue to work diligently and, if you would, inform me where Arthur has left the files."

"They are placed on your desk in the laboratory. Allow me a moment to retrieve them for you."

Ein exited swiftly, leaving Mey alone in the records room. She perused the attendance register and was taken aback to discover that Arthur had taken a week off. What? Why has he taken time off? He never does that. He is always eager to be here each day. Lost in contemplation, she was interrupted by Ein's return. He handed her the reports, along with a melted, sticky bar of chocolate, accompanied by a stained card.

"What is this?" she asked, puzzled.

"Arthur insisted that I deliver this to you upon my arrival. He instructed me to place it on your desk, but you had not received it for several days due to your absence."

"He compelled you to bring food to the laboratory?"

"Indeed. I attempted to decline, but he referred to me as a brat and insisted that I comply," Ein replied earnestly, adjusting his glasses. Mey chuckled at the exchange.

"That is very characteristic of him," she remarked with a smile. "Now, could you enlighten me as to why he has not attended work for three days and has taken an entire week off? This behavior is quite unusual."

"Do not be concerned. He applied for leave because he wishes to take a break and embark on a vacation after a considerable interval. He noted this in his application, which was swiftly approved, given that he has not missed a single day of work throughout the year."

"Very well," Mey responded, her tone still unconvinced, yet she accepted the papers and departed.

Upon returning to her room, she felt fatigued from the brief walk and quickly laid down. Closing her eyes, she inadvertently reached for the chocolate placed on her side table and read the card attached to it.

"Dear Little One, I am aware that you are exceedingly busy these days, but I could not forget that you crave sweets the more arduous your work becomes. Thus, I procured this treat and invested a considerable sum in it. You must join me for tea upon your return, and kindly express your gratitude for the sweet gift I have bestowed upon you.

Yours,

Arthur"

Mey smiled at the sentiment but eventually paused. He had invited her for tea next time, yet he was currently away on vacation? Surely, he must have known of her illness and would have made an effort to visit her by now. Yet, she pondered why it felt so eerily quiet without Arthur's usual presence and concern near her bedside during her times of illness. He had always been there. Something felt amiss.

Mey dismissed the unsettling thought and resolved to investigate further when she was permitted to resume her duties. For now, she surrendered to the sweet embrace of slumber that enveloped her.