Science has worked wonders for years and continues to do so. From the discovery of atoms to the investigation of distant galaxies. But very few people truly know- or actually cares- about these discoveries, mostly because they don't impact daily life in any immediate way.
That's why biology remains the most popular branch. People get sick all the time. And with all the advances in the medical field, Malcolm couldn't believe there still wasn't a humiliation-erasure drug available in stores- especially when there were already medications that regulated emotions and thoughts.
Disappointing. Really.
"Morning, Malcolm!" April's voice rang out as she pulled the blinds open. "Big day ahead. We're officially open for yet another exciting school year!"
Malcolm couldn't care less.
He had made a very stupid mistake the night before, and it was eating him alive.
"Did you see Amy today?" he asked, looking as disheveled as he felt.
"No," April replied, guilt creeping into her tone. "She didn't respond when I went to clean."
Malcolm let out a dry laugh. "Still upset, I take it." Yet he reached for April's hand and squeezed it gently. "We made a big mistake. And we're going to fix it."
"What if she won't let us?" April asked, pouting.
"Then we keep trying," Elijah said as he entered the room. "Teachers are arriving already, and I forgot where you keep the accommodation records."
"On my desk," Malcolm replied. "Green cover."
"Thanks." Elijah turned to leave, then paused. "I get that we screwed up- it's a big deal. But we can't keep beating ourselves up and forget about the other thirty-two happy tenants."
He wasn't wrong.
"You're right," April added. "Plus, Amy is our first tenant in seven years. I guess we forgot that we're strangers to her."
"I'll call Mrs. Mars and reserve a room at her hotel," Malcolm said as he headed to the bathroom. "Just in case Amy decides to leave."
"You really think she might?" April asked.
"It's more than likely," Elijah shrugged before disappearing into the office.
April was left alone with guilt sitting heavy in her chest.
Growing up the way she did, April had learned to follow her heart. So she camped herself outside Amy's door and decided she wouldn't move until they talked it out.
"Amy?" she called after knocking gently.
Silence.
"I know you're angry with me," April continued. "But I honestly don't know why. Can you tell me so it won't happen again?"
Still nothing.
Just when April was about to resort to kneeling- and possibly tears- a piece of paper slid out from under the door.
I was rude to you. I'm sorry.
April gasped and hugged the note to her chest. "Oh, thank you so much!"
Another paper followed.
I usually don't know how to express my feelings to people. So I don't.
"And that's okay," April said softly. "I'm glad you're telling me now." She paused, then smiled to herself. "I'm kind of oblivious most of the time. And I have a big mouth. I can be annoying sometimes."
A third note slipped under the door.
I'm so hungry that I feel lightheaded.
"One power breakfast coming right up!" April said, already standing. "Any allergies?"
NO came the reply- written boldly.
April hurried off to cook.
Amy wasn't okay, though.
April might never know this, but genuine interactions didn't come easily to Amy. They made her dizzy. Exposed. Unsteady.
And asking for help? Even in ink- it felt like peeling her skin.
But she did it anyway.
And that realization alone made her feel sick enough to vomit on herself.