Incision of the Heart ✓

Chapter 36: Study in Vulnerability

As the sun rose on the horizon, casting a warm golden hue across the landscape, it marked the dawn of a new day-a vibrant beginning that followed a series of countless days.

The morning air felt crisp and alive as Emily stepped out of her apartment, clutching her travel mug like a lifeline.

The city buzzed softly in the background, but her mind was louder, replaying a single question over and over: "Tell us about a time you failed and what you learned from it."

Today wasn't about her, though.

Today was Liam's turn.

Harvard Medical School's admissions panel would soon dissect his life story, scrutinizing his achievements, his goals, and, undoubtedly, his vulnerabilities.

Emily was determined to be there for him, just as he'd been there for her during the weeks leading up to the MCAT exams.

The cab slowed to a stop in front of Liam's building-a sleek high-rise with mirrored windows that reflected the early morning sun.

She craned her neck as she stepped out, marveling at the sheer elegance of it.

She'd never been to his place before, and the thought of stepping into Liam's world sent a flutter through her chest.

Liam opened the door barefoot, hair slightly mussed, and wearing a plain gray T-shirt that stretched just right across his chest.

He grinned when he saw her.

"Hey, you made it," he said, stepping aside to let her in.

Emily walked in, feeling like she'd just entered a luxury catalog.

The penthouse was immaculate, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city.

A sleek kitchen gleamed to her left, and the open living space was filled with soft, neutral tones that contrasted with the bold abstract art on the walls.

"Wow," she murmured, setting her bag down. "You weren't kidding when you said this place was 'a little different' from my apartment."

Liam chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, it's...home." He hesitated, watching her take it all in. "Coffee? Tea? Or are you still running on adrenaline?"

"Adrenaline," she said with a smirk, but she followed him to the kitchen anyway, watching as he moved with the ease of someone who belonged here.

"So," Emily began, leaning against the counter, "what's your plan for today?"

Liam glanced at her, a coffee mug halfway to his lips. "You mean other than survive?"

"I'm serious," she said, crossing her arms. "We've gone through almost every possible question they could ask you. What's the one thing you're dreading?"

Liam set his mug down and rubbed the back of his neck. "Okay, fine. There's this one question that keeps haunting me. 'Tell us about a time you failed and what you learned from it.'"

Emily raised an eyebrow. "That's a classic. Why does it scare you?"

"Because," he admitted, "I don't think I've ever really failed. I've messed up, sure. But fail? Like, fail fail? I don't even know how to define that."

Emily tilted her head, studying him. "Everyone's failed at something, Liam. It doesn't have to be catastrophic. It just has to be real."

"Alright, Dr. Freud," he said with a small laugh. "What about you? What would you say if they asked you that?"

Emily paused, the question not catching her off guard.

She leaned against the counter, her eyes drifting to the window.