The stage 3 of the project was then held the next day.
Liliane tried to focus on the project yet her mind seems to wander off back home. She needs to go back to Philippines. But how? If she leaves the research center, that would breach the contract she signed. She can’t afford the payment needed for breaching the contact. But she needs to go…
The announcement of the head researcher brought her back to her senses.
“Congratulations team! We can now proceed to final part of the experiment. After successfully transferring bigger objects, we can now try to find volunteers for the final part. Revise the papers in accordance to the results today. Ms. Mills, write the consent form and let Mr. Cooper find volunteers. Once we have a volunteer, we can start with final stage.”
I must go back home. I’m going back to you, love.
------
It was the middle of the night. There was a knock on the door. Nathan drag himself to open the door. Struggling.
After her mother died, he barely went out of the house, his beard had gotten obviously long. He had no motivation to keep going. He doesn’t eat, he doesn’t sleep, he just sits in his corner and stay there in a daze as if the world had stopped revolving around the sun.
He doesn’t bother even if his friends come to visit him. He doesn’t need them. He only needs the warmth of his love’s embrace. But she was so far away. And she’s not coming. At least, not at the moment. He understands, yet the pain that made him feel numb is all that he can think of. She had signed the contract with his consent. But he needs her right now.
His mom is gone, and Liliane is not here. What’s the point of living?
Another round of knock brought him back to Earth.
After seeing who was behind the door, he couldn’t believe his eyes. He was beyond surprised. And the warmth of love slowly crept inside his heart, melting the cold façade he had been putting on his face in front of everyone.
“L-Liliane…” His voice broke as the tears fell from his eyes one at a time until he can no longer contain the emotions bursting inside. He fell to his knees as he had no strength left to keep him standing.
“I’m home, babe. I’m back.” Liliane finally said before hugging him. She missed him. And he missed her just as much. He no longer need to hide. She can always find him. The true him who was grieving inside.
“B-babe, mom’s gone. She left me.” He hugged her back as he continues to wail his heart out in front of the girl he loves. Broken. He was like a little boy who got his toy shattered to pieces.
She just let him pour his heart out. He didn’t need to pretend he’s strong in front of her. He didn’t care if some of the neighbors looked at him with pity in their eyes. As long as Liliane is with him, he will be okay.
Once he had calmed down, they stayed seated in the sofa together, with Liliane inside his warm embrace. He still couldn’t believe that Liliane is with him now. His love is here…
“Babe, why did you come in the middle of the night? It’s not safe for you to walk around here at this time.” Finally remembering that Liliane had to come from the airport at this time, he couldn’t help but get worry even though she was here in his arms, safe.
“I needed to see you. I miss you.” She held the arms hugging her tighter as if she’s scared of letting him go.
Despite of the agonizing pain with the loss of his mother, Nathan is at peace. Liliane is with her. She’s all that he needs. Her love for him is enough for him to keep going.
