Chapter 96
Sophia Sullivan took the stack of materials.
Professor Eleanor Watson advised her, "Master all these research directions before you start in September."
"That way you won't fall behind when you join the lab group."
Sophia nodded solemnly. "Don't worry, Professor. I'll get up to speed as quickly as possible."
"I won't hold anyone back."
A look of relief shone in Eleanor's eyes. "I watched your interview recording."
"All these years, I've worried your skills might have gotten rusty."
She gave Sophia's shoulder a gentle pat. "But you haven't lost your touch at all."
"Especially your answer to Alexander Laurent's question. It was better than some of my third-year PhD students."
"Your logic and critical thinking were a pleasant surprise."
Sophia pressed her lips together, her eyes gleaming.
"You're my student. I know your capabilities better than anyone."
"You have the talent. Don't doubt yourself."
…
Professor Watson was called away by a phone call.
Sophia took the materials home.
She replayed her teacher's words in her mind the entire way.
There had been plenty of self-doubt over the years.
Especially after learning Professor Watson's research had hit a prolonged standstill.
She was afraid of being more of a hindrance than a help.
…
Sophia opened the folder.
The papers were arranged by year.
The earliest ones dated back to the 1940s.
When the field of biology was just establishing its independence.
She used to be merely an observer.
Now, it felt like she was walking in the footsteps of those who came before.
It was a strange and wonderful feeling.
She became completely absorbed.
Her phone suddenly rang.
She answered it absently.
"Is this the family of Olivia Lopez? This is Massachusetts General Hospital."
"She's been in a car accident. Please come immediately."
Sophia's hand jerked. The papers scattered across the floor.
She grabbed her bag and bank card, rushing out without even her coat.
A taxi happened to be passing by.
"Massachusetts General, please! Hurry!"
The driver, an older man, saw her pale face and immediately hit the gas.
"Hold on tight, miss. We'll be there in no time."
Sophia thanked him, her fingers clutching the edge of her shirt.
She kept calling Olivia's number.
It was always off.
The car radio was broadcasting the news.
"A multi-vehicle pileup on Westside Road. A bus rear-ended a truck."
"Ten injured, one fatality…"
Westside Road was right near Olivia's company.
Sophia's heart sank like a stone.
…
The taxi arrived at the hospital quickly.
The wail of ambulance sirens pierced the air.
The injured were being rushed into the ER.
Sophia ran to the front desk, her voice trembling. "I'm looking for Olivia Lopez."
The nurse looked down at her records. "Are you family?"
"Yes. I just got the call."
The nurse paused, then pointed inside. "Go say your goodbyes."
Sophia pushed the hospital room door open.
A white sheet covered the bed.
Her legs gave way. She nearly collapsed.
A familiar voice suddenly came from behind—
"Sophia?"
Sophia whirled around.
Olivia stood there, perfectly fine.
"You scared me to death!" Sophia's voice cracked. "Who is that?"
A nurse hurried over. "Ma'am, your friend is in the next room."
"You walked right past her when you came in."
Sophia stood frozen.
…
Out in the hallway.
Olivia shook her hand. "Don't be mad."
"My bad, okay?"
Sophia kept a stern face, silent.
Olivia leaned closer. "You'll get wrinkles if you keep frowning."
"Even with wrinkles, you'd be the prettiest old lady."
Sophia finally couldn't hold back a laugh.
Olivia sighed in relief. "Sunshine after the rain!"
"What happened? How did you hurt your face?"
Olivia touched her cheek. "I was going for BBQ after work. Passed by Westside Road and got caught in the accident."
"Got nicked by some glass. Took a tumble."
"The paramedics insisted on bringing me in for a check-up."
She shuddered. "Any closer, and I'd be the one in the ER."
Sophia gripped her hand tightly. "I'm just glad you're okay."
Olivia grinned. "My luck's always been good."
"Though you really thought I was a goner, huh?"
She winked. "If I'd waited one more second, you definitely would've burst into tears."