When I Devoted Myself to Science

I heard my wife, Lorelei Septaria's voice coming from the hospital's backyard garden. "You were shocked, Felix. You should be in bed, not out here. Doctor's orders, remember?" She draped one of her coats over Felix Stringer.I spent a year's worth of salary on that coat for her, but now she was giving it to another guy. Lorelei was looking at Felix like he was her most precious thing in the world. "You should get back inside. It's windy out here."Carefully, she held Felix and took him back to his ward. We'd been married for years, but I had never seen so much tenderness and concern in her eyes. It was never for me.Then it hit me. Every time I was sick, she was never around. The only one who was there for me… was me.The first time I was hospitalized because of an injury, I asked Lorelei to bring me some food. Impatiently, she answered, "I'm not going to waste my time on useless work like that, Jonathan! You love to be the hero, don't you? I don't see the victims' families here ta

My leader came to see me while I was hospitalized, and he lamented, "You can't work at the frontlines anymore, Jonathan. Not with that body."I shook my head, smiling. "It's alright. Logistics is important too."My leader nodded. "Glad to hear the optimism." He took out a file from his suitcase and handed it to me. "This is the state's latest research. It's about microchips. I saved a spot for you. Think about it."I went through the file carefully and said yes to the offer. My leader grasped my hand, excited. "Marvelous. With you in our team, Jonathan, this research won't fail! But… you'll be gone for six whole years. Are you sure your partner's fine with it?"I nodded. "She will be. I'm serving the nation here. She'll understand."The leader patted my shoulder. "Good to know. The clock is ticking, so you'll only have one month to say your goodbyes. That enough for you?"I nodded, a dry smile curling my lips. "More than enough."He thought I didn't want to say goodbye to Lorele

They never came to me again after that day. Eventually, it was time for me to set off. Lorelei's attention was still on Felix.I grabbed my suitcase and made my way to Southeast Train Station. My leader and the researchers were already waiting for me, and my leader patted my shoulder."We know what happened during the earthquake. Unbelievable, that woman! The higher-ups would love it if you filed for divorce. By saving someone else when you needed her help more, she has failed in her job. She doesn't care about anyone's lives unless it matters to her. If you file for divorce, we'll do everything we can to smooth the process out. What do you say?"I smiled and looked at my colleagues. "It's alright. Working at the frontlines is dangerous. This is the perfect time for me to catch my breath. Besides, research is also a contribution to the nation. I'll handle the divorce when things settle down. Don't worry about it."My leader was happy to hear that. "Glad you're getting over it. Stil

The next morning, I handed in the divorce papers to my leader. He took it promptly. "I'll see to it myself that this is dealt with. Just wait for the good news."I nodded and got back to research. We were making headway, and it wouldn't be long until the project bore fruit. The nation would have more power on the international level once we succeeded. That, to us, was the best prize anyone could hope for.Natalie and I spent most of our time in the lab. Our colleagues kept telling us we were a match made in heaven. We were the same, working ourselves to the bone just to win a competition.…Another week went by, and my leader came to me again, though I could see the worry on his face this time. "Are you really, really sure you talked it through with Lorelei? She went ballistic when she read the letter."Right after the divorce papers hit her, she started another scene at my old workplace and demanded to see me. My leader swore her shouts were starting to give him headaches, so he

Well, that was sad. I never thought she would run into this kind of disaster. Still, that was none of my business. She was paying the price of her stupidity, and it was steep, from the looks of it.It was a crucial time for the research, and the whole team was never as serious as it was. Everyone was looking forward to success.I spent all my time in the lab now. Yes, even when I slept. I was going to close my eyes, but then my ears caught the sounds of footsteps.My heart started to race. Though I knew full well I was safe in the lab, my heart kept telling me otherwise. We could not afford any deviation now.Just when I was about to capture the intruder, a blanket fell on me. It was a gesture from Natalie. My heart calmed down.Natalie tiptoed around and tucked me in, then she sat by my side and talked to herself. I overheard all her little secrets, including the crush she had. Alas, it bore no fruit.I had no idea that someone had her eyes on me all this time, but then again, I