The Call
She was still having trouble sleeping.
"How are you feeling?" said the boy.
Her hand tightened around her phone. "Better, but I'm still having trouble sleeping." She looked away from him. "I think it's the new environment. I'm not quite comfortable in it."
"I can understand that." The boy's lips pressed into a thin line. "The lab feels empty without you. Do you think you might come back next term? Dr. Smolley misses you too."
"No." she said quickly; she chewed on her lip. "No, I need some more time, and I want to be here for my dad. He's still in denial about this whole thing. But give Dr. Smolley a treat for me."
"I see. Well could I come see you over break?"
The girl's heart jumped. "Sorry I just realized I'm late for work. I'll call you later." The girl ended the video call.