Chapter 2

Serena returned to her bedside with a gentle smile. “Honestly, I don’t think either of us would even begin to understand most of it; plus, many are in different languages.” She hesitated for a moment before asking, “Edna, what did you do before teaching? You could’ve easily been a professor at a prestigious university. How did you end up in a small town, teaching eighth-grade science?”

“What I’ve seen in Carter, questioning the ethics of science, is something I never encountered in the world outside,” Edna replied, her voice thoughtful. “I retired early because I realized it was more important to shape the minds of the next generation. I know it sounds foolish to think one person can make a real difference, but I followed my conscience, and that’s how I ended up here.”

“It’s certainly had a profound impact on Carter, and we’re grateful to have had the pleasure of knowing you,” Serena said, her voice filled with sincerity.

Edna’s gaze softened as she spoke. “Serena, I’ve loved spending time with both of you, but unfortunately, this will be our last meeting. My friends are moving me to a private retreat for my final days, and I’d prefer to spend that time with them. Please, allow me a moment with Carter, and thank you so much for everything you’ve done.”

Serena, her emotions raw, tears streaming down her cheeks, replied. “Of course, Edna. I understand.”

While Serena patiently waited in the car, Edna and Carter exchanged their final goodbyes. As Carter stood to leave, Edna gently instructed, “Carter, please take the big book on the second shelf titled ‘The Ethics of Scientific Research.’”

Carter carefully pulled the heavy book from the shelf, tucking it under his arm. “Thanks so much. I’ve really enjoyed the last year with you and appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”

Edna smiled softly, feeling a sense of fulfillment. “You’ve made my final time memorable, Carter. When applying science to life, always remember that with great power comes great responsibility.”

He stifled a small laugh, thinking she was quoting from a movie he’d seen, but instead replied, “I’ll keep it in mind, along with all the advice you’ve given me.”

Once he returned to the car, neither he nor his mother could hold back their tears as they embraced, openly sharing their sorrow for Edna.

Two weeks later, one evening, Carter found himself caught up on his studies and decided to start reading the book Edna had given him. When he opened it, he discovered why it felt abnormally heavy. Inside was a hidden compartment with a strange device lodged into it. Curious, he pulled it out and examined it, mystified by the array of switches and knobs on its surface.

Quickly flipping through the pages, Carter searched for any clues on how to operate the device. When he found nothing, he began experimenting, flipping several switches. One of them activated a small blue LED, clearly indicating the power button.

He continued to fiddle with the other knobs but made no progress in decoding the mysterious object. Frustrated, he set it on his nightstand and went to bed. The next morning, he brought it with him to breakfast. While sitting at the table, waiting for his mother to finish preparing the meal, he absentmindedly played with it.

Serena busily worked, making larger portions as her husband had returned late the previous night and informed her he would have to leave on another road trip directly after breakfast.

“Good morning, Carter,” she greeted her son with a warm smile, noticing him playing with something she hadn’t seen before. “What’s that? Something from your science lab?” she asked, her eyebrows furrowing with curiosity.

“Mrs. Ferguson gave it to me,” he replied.

“Really?” she asked. “I don’t remember seeing you bring it home. When was it?”

“The last time we saw her, she gave me a book and it was hidden inside. I haven’t really figured out what it does or how it works,” he explained.

She was about to turn around when Carter flipped a switch, and a thin green line of light shot out, landing on her robe. She suddenly felt frozen, unable to move, as if waiting for a command. Hearing her husband’s footsteps in the hallway, she noticed Carter frantically flipping switches, clearly aware that his dad would reprimand him for playing with things at the breakfast table.

When Carter turned off the power button, she immediately felt normal again, though a sense of confusion lingered. “What just happened?” she asked herself. She tried to set the thought aside, the aroma of food cooking on the stove catching her attention. As she scooped the eggs and potatoes into serving bowls and placed them on the table, she noticed that the object Carter had been playing with was now missing, likely hidden on his lap under the table.

“Good morning, dear,” she smiled, greeting her husband.

He grunted in response, shoveling a big spoonful of eggs into his mouth without acknowledging her greeting. As always, the silence stretched between them, a stark reminder of their strained relationship. She suspected he was having an affair but, for Carter’s sake, chose not to confront it.

Her husband left as soon as he finished, not saying another word until he reached the door. “I’ll be out of town until next week. Make sure Carter behaves and keeps the yard up,” he stated before slamming the door behind him.