Return to Atheria

Alina loved the quiet life she had made. Each day, she worked in her lab at Riverbend Hospital in Marlowe. The soft hum of machines, the clean smell of the air, and the rhythm of her work kept her focused. She was working on a new type of heart tissue, a breakthrough in regenerative medicine. For years, she had poured her heart and mind into this work. Her technology could repair damaged cells, heal tissues, and give hope to patients who had no other options.

At home, her life was just as steady. Nathaniel and Charlotte were doing well at Westbridge Academy, their days full of learning, laughter, and little routines that made them feel safe. Alina watched them quietly, proud of how they handled new challenges and thankful for the calm that let her focus on her research. The routine of her work and their school days gave her a peace she hadn’t known before.

But that peace was interrupted by the buzz of her phone. She glanced at the screen. Dr. Philip Evert.

A chill ran through her. Dr. Evert wasn’t just a colleague, he was a mentor, a father figure, and Adam’s father. He knew her past, her secrets, and the existence of her twins… and he had always helped keep them safe. Despite his support, this was a past she had tried to leave behind.

"Alina, it's been too long," Dr. Evert's warm voice came through. But there was a tone of urgency. "How are you and the children?"

"All is well," she replied, thinking briefly of Nathaniel and Charlotte. They were her whole world. "What's on your mind?"

“I’m calling on behalf of the Medical Council of Atheria,” he said. “We would like to invite you to be the keynote speaker at the upcoming Atheria Medical Convention. Your work in biomedical engineering and regenerative medicine is changing the future of healthcare. The world deserves to see what you’ve done... and to know the brilliant mind behind it.”

Alina’s fingers tightened around the phone. She knew this time would come, but now that it was here, she felt unsure.

“We’ve secured the Grand Atheria Conference Hall for the event. It’s the perfect platform for you to show your work to the medical world. The future of medicine needs your innovations, and Atheria needs you.”

Alina felt the weight of his words settle over her. “I… I’ll need to think about it,” she said, her voice almost a whisper.

Dr. Evert’s tone softened. “Take your time, Alina. But remember, this is your moment. The invitation stands.”

When the call ended, Alina stared at the phone, her mind racing. This was a chance to share her work with the world, but it meant going back to Atheria, the life she had left behind. She closed her eyes, remembering the world she had walked away from.

Later that day, Alina walked into the living room, where Regina was sorting papers. Seeing the tension in her friend's face, Regina put the papers down.

"Dr. Evert called," Alina said, her voice heavy with uncertainty. "He wants me to speak at the Atheria Medical Convention... It's a very important event."

Regina raised an eyebrow. "And you're thinking about it?"

"I'm not sure," Alina murmured, walking slowly. "I've spent so long staying hidden. But this work, it could save lives, not just in Marlowe, but in Atheria and everywhere else."

"Atheria still has a pull on you, doesn't it?" Regina said, seeing her friend's inner fight. "You've worked hard to build a peaceful life here in Marlowe."

Alina sighed, sinking into a chair. “I’ve kept the twins safe. But hiding from Atheria, from everything it means… it’s not a life I can live forever. What’s the point of all my inventions if the world can’t benefit from them, including Atheria?”

Regina nodded thoughtfully. "Whatever you decide, you're not alone. Agnes, Wilfred and even Sam will help. You don't have to face this by yourself."

Alina gave a small, grateful smile. “I just need to be sure the kids are okay.”

“They’ll be fine,” Regina said firmly. “They’re ready. And so are you.”

Alina stood, feeling a sense of resolve settle over her. “I’ll call Dr. Evert tomorrow and accept.”

The next morning, Alina was in her bedroom, packing for the trip. She heard soft footsteps in the hallway. Nathaniel appeared in the doorway, holding Charlotte's hand.

"Mom, will you be okay there?" Nathaniel asked, his voice soft.

Alina knelt down to their level, offering a comforting smile. "I'll be fine, sweetheart."

Charlotte looked up, worry in her eyes. "Will you be gone for a long time?"

"Not too long, I'll be back soon." Alina said gently, brushing a lock of Charlotte's hair behind her ear. "But while I'm gone, I need you both to stay strong, like you always do."

She hugged them both tight. She felt the importance of the moment. They were growing up, facing their own challenges, and she had to trust them.

The drive to the airport was quiet. Alina stared out the window, watching Marlowe slip away, feeling the weight of leaving behind the life she had built for her children.

"Are you sure about this?" Sam's voice broke the quiet. He looked at her, a hint of worry in his eyes.

Alina let out a soft sigh. "It's time. The work needs to be shared, and I can't keep hiding from Atheria. The kids... they deserve a future where I'm not afraid to stand up for it."

Sam nodded, understanding without words. “We’ve got everything covered here. You can trust us with them.”

Alina gave him a grateful smile. “I know. Thank you, Sam. I just hope I’m doing the right thing for them.”

When she stepped out of the car at the airport, a part of her paused, thinking of her twins. But this was a step she had to take, for them, for their future.

She turned to Sam once more. "Please take care of them," she said softly.

"I will. We'll all be here when you get back."

With a final look, Alina walked toward the terminal, knowing she couldn’t turn back now. Each step forward was heavy with thought and memory, but also with purpose. This was her chance to show the world the work she had poured her heart into, and she would not let fear hold her back.