Self

Chapter 27

Studying was a total snooze–fest, but Yara was weirdly okay with it.

After another day of hitting the books, she got home, gave her shoulders a good rub, and was all set for an early night. That was when Professor Olson’s call came out of the blue.

She started by checking in on her study progress.

Yara gave her a quick summary of where she was at.

Wendy did not pry any further, seeming to trust her completely.

Yara could not help but laugh, then heard her say, “Swing by my place first thing tomorrow, okay?”

Wendy hung up quickly, as if worried that Yara would say no if she gave her half a chance.

Bright and early the next day, Yara whipped some breakfast, taking the extra time to cook some for Wade, too.

She had not heard a peep from his place the night before and figured he had pulled yet another lab all–nighter.

Sure enough, when she stepped out, he was just getting back.

It had been a couple of weeks since that rainy night, and the usually sharp–dressed guy was a wrinkled mess, with tiredness written all over his face.

Remembering the bits of conversation she had caught last time, Yaral figured he had hit a snag at the lab.

She did not ask; she just held out her thermos.

“I made mushroom soup last night and let it simmer until morning It’s good for folks who’ve been up all night–it warms the stomach

right up.”

Wade had not felt off from lack of sleep before, but his stomach had

been bugging him lately, probably from eating at weird hours. Her timely soup hit the spot.

“Thanks.”

“No, I should be the one thanking you–for getting me home safe that night,” she said, her smile lighting up her face.

Wade raised an eyebrow. “We’re neighbors, that’s all. We just happened to be heading the same way.”

He then asked, “Heading out?”

Yara nodded. “The professor wants me to swing by her place. Seems like something’s up.”

She glanced at her watch–time to go.

“I’m off. Don’t forget to drink the soup and eat the boiled egg while it’s still warm.”

“Sure thing.”

He watched her disappear around the stairwell before he went inside.

As soon as he opened the thermos, the aroma hit him. The mushroom soup, with its added pumpkin, was cooked to perfection- soft and comforting with a hint of sweetness, blending well with the

mushroom’s subtle scent.

The egg was just plain boiled, not usually his favorite. However, cradling the warmth in his hands, he carefully peeled it. It was not bad -better than he expected.

During rush hour, the subway was a nightmare–it was packed so tightly that Yara could not even find a spot to stand.

Yara weaved through the crowd, nearly getting squished like a

Chap 27

pancake. Luckily, she was quick on her feet and managed to leave the

scene.

She had been to the professor’s place before and was on the list, so the guard waved her through without a fuss.

She rang the bell, but it was someone other than the professor whol answered.

A boy peered out, showing a flash of recognition. “Hey, it’s you!”

Solomon was there for some documents. Hearing the bell, he went to the door and was struck by a sense of déjà vu when he saw Yara.

He remembered her–the girl from the school gate, frantic with worry, bombarding him with questions about the professor’s health. Her near -tears face was hard to forget.

Caught off guard, Yara recognized him too. She was about to say something when Wendy’s voice floated from inside.

“Yara, is that you?”

Solomon stepped back, making room for her to enter.

“Professor.”

Carrying the chiffon cake she had picked up on her way, Yara stepped into the house and slipped off her shoes in the foyer.