His Knees, His Pleas, But Our Son's in Peace

Chapter 41

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Carlos turned me down again. He had me thrown out, just like last time. I don't know why he's being so cold, but I need. to be part of this project. I don't know how else to get in." Vesta watched me carefully, her eyes filled with understanding. "It sounds like there's more to this than just Carlos's decision. Maybe he's protecting you in some way. Or maybe the project is more complicated than you realize." I frowned. "What do you mean?"

Vesta paused, choosing her words carefully. "This project... I've heard things. It's not the kind of thing that most people would volunteer for without some serious thought. It's... morally challenging."

I felt a chill run down my spine. I had suspected something like this, but hearing Vesta confirm it made the weight of my decision feel even heavier. "Morally challenging how?" I asked, though I wasn't sure I wanted the answer. Vesta didn't respond directly. Instead, she leaned forward and said, "You need to be careful, Doris. This isn't just a regular experiment. Whatever Carlos and his team are working on-it has risks, and it's not just physical. It's something that will test you in ways you might not be prepared for."

I sat there, processing her words. Vesta wasn't the type to scare me unnecessarily, but her warning made me pause. "I have to do this," I said quietly. "I can't just walk away."

She studied me for a moment, then nodded slowly. "If you're sure, then I'll help you. But you need to promise me you'll be careful."

I nodded, my heart pounding with a mix of fear and resolve. "I will."

12:00 n

Vesta stood and moved to her cabinets, pulling out a set of tools. "There's a way to get you in," she said quietly. "But it's going to require a little intervention."

the tools on the table.

some of the barriers in place for the volunteers. It's not

precision, the tools moving swiftly and skillfully. The procedure was over before I even had time to process it fully. She bandaged me up, her touch gentle but firm. "For the next two weeks, you need to take it easy," she said. "The surgery wasn't major, but your body will need time to adjust. Be careful, especially during the last half of

words sinking in. I wasn't sure what lay ahead, but I knew one thing: I was now part

heart knew the importance and details of the project which I decided to keep

by undergoing the process would I uncover the answers to some lingering questions. I knew that the journey itself would reveal insights that couldn't be found

weight of everything pressing down on my chest. Half a month had passed since I volunteered for the experiment, and every day since

I hadn't made it public either. Most of them admired my courage. I could see it in the way they looked at me, like

just crazier.

community center had been even sweeter about it. They didn't

brought me crayon drawings and little handmade cards with well wishes, their eyes full of concern and affection. I

the results felt like a lifetime, and

long could it take for the results to come in? I tried not to dwe on it, but the uncertainty gnawed

work feeling a little off, like something wasn't quite right. The streets were

far too close. My breath caught in my throat. The car was speeding straight toward me, and in that split second, I knew it wasn't an accident. This was deliberate. I threw myself to the side, barely managing to dodge the

her lips