Liam's return home was a welcome relief, and Selena was determined to help him recover. She took on the role of caregiver with enthusiasm, finding creative ways to motivate Liam and rebuild his strength. As the days passed, Liam grew more confident, and Selena's efforts were rewarded with his progress.
But despite her dedication to Liam's recovery, Selena struggled with her own demons. At home, she was a different person from the strong, capable individual she presented in the hospital. The constant attacks and stress had taken a toll on her mental health, and she found herself struggling with depression and PTSD.
The nightmares returned, haunting her sleep and leaving her exhausted. Despite her pregnancy, Selena felt drained, both physically and emotionally. She had tried to cope by hiring household staff to take care of the things she loved, but even that didn't seem to help.
As the days turned into weeks, Selena felt like she was losing herself. The trauma and stress had broken something inside her, and she didn't know how to put the pieces back together again. She felt like she was drowning, and she didn't know how to keep her head above water.
As Liam walked outside into the crisp autumn air, he was greeted by the vibrant colors of the changing leaves. The trees, ablaze with shades of orange, red, and yellow, stood tall against the clear blue sky. A gentle breeze rustled through the branches, causing the leaves to flutter and dance in the wind.
Before him lay the complex and meticulously engineered garden, a testament to Selena's green thumb and innovative spirit. The garden was a marvel of stacked and layered planters, trellises, and arbors, creating a thriving ecosystem that seemed to defy gravity. Zucchini, Cucumbers, and various gourds hung pristine like lanterns, perfectly formed and sun-kissed.
To one side of the garden stood a beautiful outdoor greenhouse, its transparent walls and roof glinting in the sunlight. The greenhouse was a haven for more delicate plants, providing a warm and protected environment for them to flourish.
As Liam made his way through the garden, he began to pick the ripe vegetables that had been left to mature. The air was filled with the sweet scent of ripe tomatoes, the earthy smell of freshly dug carrots, and the pungent aroma of harvested herbs.
The sound of birdsong and the rustle of leaves underfoot accompanied Liam as he worked, the peaceful atmosphere a balm to his soul. Despite the challenges they had faced, this garden, and the love and care that had gone into creating it, was a testament to the beauty and resilience of life.
As Liam gazed out at the bounty of the garden, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and admiration for Selena's dedication and passion. Despite having all the resources she needed, Selena had always been driven to grow her own vegetables and experiment with new techniques.
The garden was a testament to her affinity for the planet; she was careful to spare seeds in her meals and try to grow them. Her garden, with each section carefully planned and tended to produce a diverse array of fruits and vegetables. Liam's eyes wandered over the sprawling garden, taking in the vibrant colors and lush textures of the various plants.
As he stood there, an idea began to form in his mind. Maybe, just maybe, a change of scenery could be just what Selena needed to shake off her depression. The garden, as beautiful and nurturing as it was, might be a reminder of her current struggles.
A new environment, with new challenges and opportunities, could be just the thing to help Selena find her spark again. Liam's mind began to whirl with possibilities as he envisioned the two of them starting fresh in a new place, surrounded by new sights, sounds, challenges, and experiences.
Liam was done with his work on making the internal secondary brain structure that would hold the A.A programming. Teaching it to store knowledge like memories was going to appear difficult and groundbreaking.
He had already set up the secondary portion of his work using the "cure" that the initial structure was for. He could step back now that the intricate structure that now was to be growing and replicating itself. He felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that his work was done and he'd be able to move on to the second phase.
The implications of his research were profound. The cure he had discovered had the potential to save countless lives, including Jakob's, who was destined to develop ALS in 10 years.
But that was just the beginning. The cure also held promise for treating a wide range of brain and neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, and Cognitive problems.
And it didn't stop there. The research also had implications for mental health issues, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. The potential to improve the lives of millions of people was staggering.
Liam's mind was racing with the possibilities. He knew that there was still much work to be done, but he was confident that his research was a major breakthrough.
He took a deep breath, feeling a sense of satisfaction and purpose. He knew that his work would change the world, and he was honored to be a part of it.
Selena's groundbreaking work was finally complete, and the world would never be the same. Her revolutionary treatment for paralysis and brain death had passed the most rigorous testing, including human trials and FDA approvals. This miracle cure would change the lives of millions, and Selena had selflessly given it to the world for free.
Liam couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and admiration for his partner. She was a true pioneer, and her work would undoubtedly earn her a Nobel Prize. Her initial research surpassed Christopher Jackson's in this life, but with less sophisticated equipment.
But despite her incredible achievements, Selena was struggling. She had hidden her true state from Liam during his long hospitalization, pretending to be fine when she wasn't. She was very broken, and her parents hadn't been able to break through it with her. Selena had lifetimes of trauma.
Liam's heart ached as he thought about the weight Selena had been carrying. He knew he had to find a way to help her out of her fog, to bring back the vibrant and passionate person she was able to be at her happiest. He'd love her regardless, but wanted to lift her out of this.
As he reflected on their past lives, Liam realized that they had been focused on the wrong goals. Instead of searching for a new home for humanity, they should have been working on saving the planet they already had.
Terraforming Mars, while an impressive feat, was a drop in the bucket compared to the urgent need to restore the health of their own planet. Nobody could have children there. Earth's gravity was necessary for life. Even plants didn't grow right. Mars was abandoned.
Liam's thoughts turned to the vast deserts of Africa, China, and the Middle East, which could be transformed into arable land with the right technology and investment. He envisioned a world where humanity worked together to heal the damage they had inflicted on the planet, where innovation and progress were harnessed to create a sustainable and thriving world for all.
Liam knew that he had to find a way to help Selena, to bring her back to her true self, so that together they could work towards creating a brighter future for humanity.
Liam strolled through the greenhouse, impressed by Selena's handiwork. The automated system she'd designed ensured a steady supply of fresh produce, even in the depths of winter.
Her high school project came to mind, showcasing her innate talent for innovation and sustainability. It was clear that she loved nature.
Memories of their past lives flooded his mind, specifically the elderly Selena who'd transformed her quarters into a thriving food production area. He smiled, recalling how she'd coaxed life from unlikely places. It was clear that her affinity for nature and connection to the goddess had played a significant role in her success.
But it was McKenna's cruelest move, shoving Selena into the loop and trying to murder her, that had changed everything. And Liam's own decision to finally follow his heart, to grab for Selena and hold on tight, had saved him - and humanity.
When he came back, in that moment, Liam realized that they could make a difference, they could change the course of history, and create an optimal future for all. The weight of his past life's struggles seemed to lift, replaced with more plans.
Liam's eyes lingered on the greenhouse, his mind still reeling from the profound realization that his unrequited love had been the catalyst for change. The intricate web of events that had unfolded was a testament to the transformative power of love.
As the thoughts flew through his head as he looked at Selena's handiwork, he saw a symbol of their potential to make a profound impact on the world. The greenhouse, with its lush greenery and vibrant flowers, was a microcosm of the beauty and wonder that they could create together.
The asteroid threat loomed large, but Liam felt a sense of hope and determination wash over him. They had decades to build the array that would disintegrate the asteroid into chunks, influence its orbit, delay the strike, or even send it into the sun.
The possibilities seemed endless, and Liam knew that with Selena by his side, they could achieve the impossible. He felt a sense of excitement and anticipation, knowing that their journey was just beginning.
Together, they would work tirelessly to build a better future, one where humanity could thrive and grow. They would harness the power of science and technology to create innovative solutions to the world's most pressing problems.
The greenhouse was just the beginning - a symbol of the beauty and wonder that they could create together. As Liam gazed at Selena's handiwork, he knew that their love had the power to change the world.
He felt a sense of awe for the intricate web of events that had brought them to this moment. The universe had conspired to bring them together, and now they had the opportunity to make a profound impact on the world.
Liam's heart swelled with emotion as he thought about the journey ahead. He knew that it wouldn't be easy, but he was ready to face the challenges head-on. With Selena by his side, he felt invincible.
They would change the world. They would create a brighter future, one where humanity could thrive and grow. The greenhouse was just the beginning - a symbol of the beauty and wonder that they could create together.
As Liam entered the living room, he was met with the sight of Selena sitting listlessly on the couch, her usual radiance dimmed by the weight of her depression. Her jet black hair, normally luscious and vibrant, now hung limp and lifeless around her pale face.
Her big, chocolate brown eyes, once bright and sparkling with warmth, now seemed dull and empty, their usual sparkle extinguished by the darkness that had taken hold. Her pouty lips, normally curved into a gentle smile, now seemed thin and pressed together, as if holding back a torrent of emotions.
A sprinkling of freckles across her nose and cheeks, once a delightful reminder of her playful and carefree spirit, now seemed muted and faded, like the rest of her. Her skin, normally glowing with a warm, golden undertone, now appeared pale and wan, as if drained of its usual vitality.
Selena's posture, too, seemed defeated, her shoulders slumped and her head bowed, as if the weight of her depression was crushing her. Her hands, normally busy with some creative pursuit or other, now lay still and idle in her lap, as if lacking the energy or motivation to move.
At 20 weeks pregnant, Selena's body was undergoing many changes, but it was clear that her depression was taking a toll on her physical health as well. His heart sank, and he felt a pang of sadness and concern. He had been trying to reach her for weeks, but she seemed to be slipping further and further away.
Liam's eyes welled up with tears as he approached her. He felt helpless, not knowing how to break through the wall of depression that had built up around her. He sat down beside her, trying to get her attention.
"Selena, hey, I'm back from outside, what a crop," he said softly, trying to sound cheerful. "I made you a great dinner, ratatouille and roasted chicken. Isn't it great to have some home-cooked food?"
But Selena didn't respond. She just sat there, staring blankly into space, her eyes unfocused and unseeing. Liam tried again, this time gently touching her shoulder.
"Selena, please, talk to me. I'm here for you. I want to help you through this."
Selena gasped, her body jerking slightly as she was pulled back into the present moment. She looked up at Liam, her eyes wide with fear and uncertainty.
"Liam, I...I don't know what's wrong with me," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Liam's eyes locked onto Selena's, his voice filled with concern. "You've been hiding what you've been struggling with the whole time I was recovering, haven't you?" he asked, his tone gentle but probing.
Selena looked up at Liam, her tears welling up in her eyes. She bit her lip, trying to hold back the emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.
Liam's gaze never wavered, his eyes filled with compassion and understanding. "It's been a couple of days, and you haven't left the house," he continued, his voice soft but firm. "You won't even go out to the garden. You're having them again, aren't you?"
Selena's face crumpled, and she nodded, her tears spilling over. Liam's heart broke as he saw the pain and fear in her eyes. She could not even leave the house, out into the open air. She was still so scared.
"But it's worse now, isn't it?" Liam asked. He placed his hand on her shoulder and continued. "I am sorry baby, it must be so hard."
Selena nodded again, her body shaking with sobs. Liam's arms went around her, holding her close as she cried.