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."

tools on the table. "What kind

a small, reassuring smile. "Minor surgery. It'll help you bypass some of the barriers in place for the volunteers. It's not invasive, but it's necessary for the project." I swallowed hard, realizing how far I was about to go. But I nodded. "Let's do

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

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

and details of the project which I decided to

that only by undergoing the process would I uncover the answers to some lingering questions. I knew that the journey itself would reveal insights that

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

coworkers knew about it now-how could they not? It wasn't exactly a secret, though I hadn't made it public either. Most of them admired my courage. I could

just crazier.

They didn't understand the details, but they knew

cards with well wishes, their eyes full of concern and affection.

a lifetime, and every gesture

long could it take for the results to come in? I tried not to dwe on it, but the uncertainty gnawed at me, no

feeling a little off, like something wasn't quite right. The streets were quieter than usual, but I didn't think much of

wasn't an

eyes wild, her lips