12 Professor Atlas
“We’d be needing Professor Atlas,” the doctor mentioned cautiously, breaking the tense silence in the room. “He’s renowned in the medical world, a guru in his own right.”
Flora nodded solemnly. “Yes, he’s the best chance we have for Melissa’s health. But reaching him won’t be easy. He is notoriously reclusive, working on his terms. He rarely engages with anyone.”
Brandy, taken aback by Flora’s in–depth knowledge about this elusive figure, furrowed her brow in disbelief. “How do you know about him? He’s not someone known to the general public. Only those deeply entrenched in the medical field are aware of his existence.”
Flora offered a faint smile. “All that is not Brandys‘ business,” she replied, her tone definitive yet composed, leaving Brandy startled at the firmness in her words. The air seemed to tighten, carrying an unspoken tension between them.
The mention of Professor Atlas injected a glimmer of hope amid the encroaching uncertainty. Brandy’s astonishment at Flora’s unexpected knowledge lingered, leaving her to grapple with both curiosity about Flora’s concealed past and the urgency of finding a way to reach the elusive medical figure.
“I thought we were talking about some bigger shot, but it’s just Professor Atlas. That’s not such a big deal after all,” said Brandy smugly, her tone carrying a hint of superiority.
Flora raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by Brandy’s demeanor. “Professor Atlas is far from ‘just‘ anyone. He’s not the kind you can simply summon. He’s reclusive for a reason.‘
Brandy’s smirk widened. “Oh, Professor Atlas, you mean? He is one of the professors at my prestigious school and I might soon be one of his interns,” she mentioned with a hint of pride that masked the darker truth–she had attained her position at that institution through Leslie’s brilliance and therefore cheating her. “Given our family’s influence and my history as his student, I should be able to get hold of him,” she added confidently, implying her connections and status should suffice.
eyes.
Flora’s expression remained unreadable, a mixture of doubt and wariness flickering in her Being his former student might not mean much to him. He doesn’t entertain calls or meetings easily, regardless of affiliations or influence.”
“What are you thinking, Flora? If you can’t help, just leave and don’t stop us from saving Grandma. It won’t be that hard to find Professor Atlas. Unlike you, I have the whole family behind me and our family has plenty of resources. You just have to worry about raising those two kids. You’re such an embarrassment to our family.”
Leslie felt a pang of unfamiliarity seeing Brandy’s harsh acts. She remembered a different Brandy,
someone far less openly confrontational than she was now.
‘Brandy’s changed a lot,‘ Leslie thought to herself. The Brandy from before was much more reserved, not openly hostile like she was being toward Flora. There was an unspoken challenge Brandy seemed eager to prove, but Leslie couldn’t quite decipher what it was.
2/3
Observing the dynamics of the Anderson family, Leslie recognized the unequal investment of resources and attention. Despite having three daughters, it was apparent that the family favored Brandy, deeming her the more crucial child.
Leslie sighed and said in a low voice. “I just hope this doesn’t lead to more discord. For Melissa’s sake, we need to handle this carefully.”
Brandy brushed off Flora’s reservations, feeling convinced of her capability. She dialed a number confidently, expecting the prestige of her family’s name to work its magic.
As the call connected, Brandy’s confidence faltered, her expectation of immediate assistance quickly dissipating with each unanswered ring.
“It does not work that way, baby girl.” Flora said emphasizing on the ‘baby girl‘ after watching all Brandy’s display.
“But, there’s one thing. Get Professor Atlas here, and I might give you some credit,” Flora stated firmly, standing beside Nancy and Herman. She glanced at Leslie. “I’ve arranged a caregiver to help with Grandma. Reach out if you need anything. I’ll take the kids home.”
Leslie nodded in gratitude, feeling the weight of responsibility on her shoulders. “Thank you, Flora. I
appreciate your help.”
As Flora ushered the kids out, Emily watched silently.
“Flora, are you sure about this person you guys call Professor Atlas? Are you sure he is as great as you guys call him and isn’t bringing him here a task a little too much to expect from Brandy?” Emily said as soon as Flora left the room and with Brandy out of earshot.
Leslie sighed. “I’m not sure. Let’s see what happens. We need all the help we can get for grandma.”
↑
Albert sat by the door watching the whole scene unfold before his eyes while he kept quiet for the first
time in a while.
The soft beep of machines formed a rhythmic sound as she walked to the center of the hospital room, her steps purposeful yet cautious. From there, she made her way to Grandma Melissa’s bed, taking deliberate strides toward her.
She approached Grandma Melissa’s bed, the frail figure lying there seemed smaller than ever before. With each step, she moved closer, her eyes fixed on the aged face that held memories.
“Grandma,” she called to the unconscious old woman lying on the sick bed. “I’m going to bring the professor here. I’ll be the one to help you this time. I’ll be the hero.”
Then, in a whisper barely audible, she continued, almost as if speaking to herself. “At least I’m the one who made you this way. Healing you… it’s my apology.”
There was no trembling in her voice, no hint of sorrow overwhelming her. Instead, it was a quiet declaration. She sought not only to heal her grandmother’s ailment but to prove something to herself to Flora, that she was capable, that she had the power to do the almost impossible
As the doctor wrapped up his instructions, he glanced at the clock and realized the urgency of his next appointment. “I must attend to another patient. The nurses will assist you with anything you need,” he announced, nodding at the group in the room.
The doctor, glancing back at Melissa’s deteriorating state, voiced his concern. “Please, do try to contact Professor Atlas. Your mother’s condition is declining rapidly, and any delay could be detrimental.” He emphasized the urgency, casting a worried glance at the patient.
Brandy exchanged a quick, apprehensive look with her father, acknowledging the severity of the situation. The doctor’s words lingered heavily in the room, amplifying the sense of urgency that filled
the air.
“We will try to reach out to him,” Brandy replied, her voice wavering slightly. The doctor nodded and made his way out, his steps echoing down the corridor.
Brandy, who had been standing closer, observed the doctor’s departure with mild curiosity. She noticed the solemn expressions on everyone’s faces as they watched the doctor leave.
Emily stood up from where she sat with her expression filled concern. “Tell me, when and how do you plan to find this Professor Atlas?” she inquired, her gaze steady as the doctor left after leaving instructions for the nurses.
Brandy shifted, feeling uneasy with Emily’s question. “Well, I have an upcoming exam tomorrow, and if I pass, I should have access to be Professor Atlas intern and through that I will be able to make him come here,” Brandy replied, trying to assert some confidence in her tone.
