My Scientific Love (PUBLISHED BOOK UNDER HOWLING WOLF'S)

MSL #25

Success

"Good morning, students of every camp!"

"Good morning, students of Duke!"

Simon held my hand tightly as I listened to the emcee. I scanned the entire oval. All the students were here, their faces lit up with joy.

According to Rald earlier, the chemical effects on their brains had worn off. Now, all they knew was that they had finished their studies and graduated. They only remembered studying and nothing else.

"Isn't it a great day? You will graduate now! You will officially become a Psychologist! Scientist—"

I couldn't help but smile. I was thrilled to be graduating. Despite studying on this dangerous island, the joy of becoming a psychologist made it all worthwhile. After two years of waiting and restraint, I was finally here.

"To formally open the program! Let's welcome the highest!"

Everyone clapped as the highest stepped onto the stage. I looked at each of them. Every face that had questioned Simon and me was there. One man lagged behind; I realized he was the last one to question Simon.

"Good morning to each and every one of you..." he began as the students' applause thundered.

I glanced behind and saw many robots surrounding us. It looked like we'd have a hard time in this situation. Robots of all types surrounded us. I sighed. I hoped we wouldn't have too much trouble, but it seemed unlikely since they controlled the entire oval. We were trapped.

"Sshh, we will get through this." Simon kissed my hands. I closed my eyes.

Inhale

Exhale

Inhale

Exhale

I could feel Simon calming me down. I kept my eyes closed. When I opened them again, I focused on the speaker on the stage. Simon's grip on my hand tightened as he felt my anxiety. I smiled at him repeatedly.

"As I see it, all of you did a great job! You proved to us that you deserve to study here! I'm glad I was one of the people who helped all of you. I don't regret investing so much in this island. I hope one day I'll see you all smiling, successful, and happy. You deserve this, students! Happy graduation and congratulations!"

We applauded again. The highest suddenly looked at me and smiled. I couldn't help but remember the question he asked that led Simon and me to confess our feelings for each other.

I smiled back.

"Watch this," the emcee said.

We all looked at the large screen. It showed the old appearance of Duke. I noticed the significant improvement. It had gone from simple to elegant. I smiled. I was impressed with whoever came up with the idea for the island.

But then, thinking about how many people had become robots made me frown. I couldn't help but feel sad for the past students of this island. If only I had studied here earlier, maybe this madness could have been stopped sooner.

I looked at the oval. Some of the robots around us were once human. Some had been robots for a long time. Many were likely newly converted robots. Some were among those we couldn't save from the scientists. I felt sad that I didn't learn this sooner; maybe I could have prevented it. At least, I might have saved some of them.

The video showed a picture of Simon and me. I smiled. It brought back all our memories on the island. From when I first met him until now. We were close to the end. Just a little further, and we would reach the climax, hand in hand.