“I talked to the cafeteria, and they’ve agreed to let us use the space. We can cook together,” he said, his voice warm. “Speaking of which, this is my first time spending the New Year without my family. I’m no master chef, so don’t expect too much from my
cooking.” he added with a chuckle.
Nikki dashed over and linked arms with Warren, grinning “Don’t worry. It’ll be an honor to taste your cooking, Professor Graham. Let me help out!”
She then turned to Shermaine and Eddie. “Come on. Join us.”
Shermaine, however, shook her head. “I’ll pass. I need to double–check some data in the lab.”
1/2
+15 BONUS
Shermaine focused on her work as the hours passed, and before she knew it, it was already the middle of the night. Through the
distant window, she saw fireworks lighting up the sky.
Suddenly, it hit her. Today was New Year’s Eve.
Her thoughts drifted back to the previous years, when she’d always spent New Year’s Eve with Ezra.
If anything, she realized that Ezra had been the one who needed her more than she needed him.
He had lost both his parents at a young age and had no family to rely on. After they got married, he finally felt like he had a place
to belong.
In those years, during holidays, it was always Ezra who clung to her, and she, for his sake, hadn’t spent many holidays with her
own family.
Now, looking back, those moments that once seemed sweet only made her regret not spending more time with her parents.
A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.
Shermaine composed herself. When she opened the door, she was surprised to find Eddie standing there.
“Eddie, what’s up?” she asked, offering him a faint smile.
She always carried herself with a calm, detached demeanor.
Eddie smiled, his tone light but with a hint of concern. “The food is ready. Professor Graham and Nikki sent me to invite you.”
Shermaine shook her head. “Thanks for the invitation, but I don’t think I should join since I didn’t help with anything. I
hungry anyway.”
I’m not
Eddie’s expression softened with a bit of frustration. “Well, they said that if you don’t come, they won’t eat either.”
He gently took Shermaine’s wrist and began pulling her toward the cafeteria.
“Ms. Stout, we’re all in this together. We’re going to spend the next five years here. I know you’ve had a rough time in the past, but I hope you won’t let that make you lose faith in everyone.” He looked at her with a sincere gaze that moved her.
Without realizing it, Shermaine ended up at the cafeteria door.
Warren and Nikki greeted her with warm smiles, and the group ushered her inside.
The warmth from their smiles made Shermaine feel at ease.
