14
Stacy was taken aback. She had only shared a simple idea, which Mr. Morgan encouraged her to develop and write out fully. She had poured a month of effort into it, meticulously crafting the final piece. Seeing it published was an unexpected but delightful surprise.
mood visibly lifted, and when her senior brother mentioned that the team’s research had made significant progress and was now preparing to apply for the next phase, her smile grew even brighter.
At that moment, under the clear sky, Stacy stood bathed in sunlight. Her bright eyes and radiant smile were a stark contrast to the shadow of depression that had clouded her when she first arrived.
Her senior brother scratched his head awkwardly and said, “Macey, joining the project was the right decision for you. I knew no illness, big or small, could ever defeat you.”
Stacy fr
froze for a moment, then nodded with a gentle smile.
“Mr. Morgan gave everyone a holiday. You’ve barely gone out since you got here. Let me take you out later for some fresh air.
It wasn’t the first–or even the second–time her senior brother had shown this kind of enthusiasm. Stacy could easily discern his intentions. Macey had once described him, as simple, wealthy, patriotic, and kind–hearted–a good match by most standards. But Stacy had no desire to involve herself romantically.
“Macey, don’t hesitate. Pack your things. I’ll pick you up soon!” he called out, not waiting for her reply as he sped off with the shrill hum of his mechanical car.
Stacy sighed. Tonight, she would make her feelings clear to him and put an end to his hopes.
Back at the women’s dormitory, she searched for something to wear. Her focus on research had left her with a sparse wardrobe, and after rummaging for a while, she found a simple slip dress–a gift from her senior sister on her birthday.
Later that evening, her senior brother was already waiting outside. This time, he had switched to an old kart, perhaps to avoid drawing attention.
The car moved leisurely along the coastline. The shimmering sea seemed to blend into the sky, and the gentle night breeze carried the faint aroma of coconut, brushing softly against her face.
Eventually, they arrived at an elegant bar. Even before stepping inside, Stacy could hear the strains of classical music drifting out
Her senior brother, visibly moved by the melody, gestured animatedly. “What’s this song? It sounds amazing!” “It’s Schubert’s Serenade,” Stacy replied with a faint smile. “Gentle and beautiful.”
The music stirred memories, and Stacy found herself momentarily lost in the past. But the weight of those memories reminded her why she couldn’t let her senior brother continue hoping.
10.11 AM c c
“Macey,” he began nervously, “I’ve liked you for a long time. Ever since college, actually. I’ve kept your photos and waited all this time for you.”
Stacy accepted the flowers, her expression calm but kind. “I’m sorry, senior brother. I’m afraid I’ll disappoint you. You know our lives. For us, dating is a luxury, and I don’t have the energy to manage a relationship. Instead of setting ourselves up for failure, it’s better to remain teammates, fighting side by side.
“Besides,” she added gently, “you’ll find someone who’s a better match for you.”
Though rejection was nothing new to him, her words still stung. He shrugged with a half–smile, attempting to mask his disappointment. “It’s okay, Macey. I’m willing to wait for you.”
Since returning from her recovery, Macey’s personality has s
While she still spoke bluntly, as she always
had, her words now carried a distant coldness that made her harder to read.
“Macey,” he said, trying to change the mood, “there’s a naval open day in our hometown next month. My mom is taking my brother to visit. Why don’t you come with us? It might spark some fresh ideas for your research!” But Stacy declined without hesitation. Returning to America wasn’t something she had considered.
Her senior brother’s smile faltered, and he scrambled for a new topic. Their conversation barely lasted ten minutes before his phone rang. Their line of work demanded that they remain on standby, even during vacations, and always ready to respond to emergencies.
After taking the call, his expression darkened.
“Macey,” he said, his voice tense, “something’s happened at the base. Mr. Morgan and several junior members of the team have gone missing.”
