Brandon stood by the window overlooking the external area, parting the curtains slightly with his fingers and leaning closer, a half smile on his face as he watched some students enjoying a game of ball on the lawn.
Brandon Ramsey was 33 years old. Heir to a pharmaceutical industry, a publicly traded company. A practicing psychiatrist and psychologist, he also taught psychology at Harvard University, one of the world's most prestigious. Despite his substantial wealth as a millionaire from the family business that had been passed down from generation to generation, he hadn't closely followed his father's footsteps, choosing his own profession for the love of the work. Currently, his father, Josef Ramsey, was severely ill.
"Hello!"
A strikingly seductive female voice called out, diverting his attention to the door.
Brandon - Are you leaving already, Nina?
He closed the distance to his fiancee and gave her a peck on the lips.
Nina - Yes, I was hoping we could go together. Do you have your car?
Brandon - No, I took the motorcycle!
She placed her hands on his face and stroked his cheeks.
Nina - I hate it when you ride the motorcycle, you know that, right?
Brandon - Yes, I do! (Laughs)
They came together for another quick and rather formal kiss, given that they were in a workplace setting.
Nina - Dinner tonight?
She whispered in a faintly alluring voice.
Brandon - I'm not sure; my father's condition has worsened, and...
He paused, swallowing thickly.
Nina - Oh, my dear!
Brandon - It's getting worse every day... I just don't know what to do anymore.
Nina - I think his time may be coming.
He looked at her, frowning.
Brandon - What did you say?
She cleared her throat awkwardly.
Nina - I mean... your father...
He cut her off.
Brandon - Don't.
Disappointed with where the conversation had gone, Brandon turned away and went back to the window, folding his arms and closing his eyes.
Nina - I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you.
Brandon - You didn't say anything wrong. I still have hope, or at least I want to believe.
Nina took a few steps towards him and embraced him from behind as a gesture of affection and consolation.
Brandon - I'll stop by your place after visiting him.
Nina - I'll prepare something amazing for dinner; you'll love our evening.
Just then, they parted as they heard knocks at the door. Brandon called for the person to enter, and a flustered Alice entered, clutching a crumpled note in her hand.
Alice - Sorry, it's just that I... well...
Brandon - Yes, I wanted to see you here after class.
Alice glanced at Nina, who taught a different course, and the two women locked eyes for several long seconds.
Nina - I should get going.
Brandon - Okay.
She opened the door and left, leaving the two of them alone.
Alice - I'm here, Professor.
Brandon - I see that!
He pulled out a chair, sat down, and crossed his legs.
Brandon - So?
Alice - I...
Unable to speak, she simply shook her head in denial, looked away, then back at the window.
Brandon - What's going on? This isn't the first time you've been late to my class and fallen asleep during it.
Alice - I generally don't sleep well at night, Professor; it's complicated.
He put his hand under his chin and turned the chair slightly to the side.
Brandon - Next year, you're moving onto your final year, but I'm not sure you'll make it, considering the drastic drop in your grades.
Alice - I work nights, that's why I sometimes fall asleep.
She sighed; he pursed his lips, more interested now, but Alice didn't continue.
Brandon - Working nights? And...
Alice - I promise I'll improve; it's just a phase!
He was about to inquire further but realized Alice was reluctant to delve deeper.
Brandon - You may leave.
Alice - Until tomorrow.
He didn't reply verbally, only nodded, and Alice left the room and the institution. She walked across the lawn and sat beneath a tree, folding her legs and staring into the void. A car honk drew her attention; she looked ahead and saw her friend waiting in the parked car.
Tom - Are you going to keep daydreaming about the psychology professor or are you getting in the car so we can grab something to eat?
Her eyes widened, and she quickly got up to meet him.
Alice - Have you lost your mind?
Tom - What? I was only speaking the truth!
Alice - Stop!
She circled around and got into the car.
Alice - I knew I couldn't trust you.
Tom - Relax, girl. There was no one around.
Alice - Damn!
She threw her bag down between her legs and scowled, gazing out the window, tears welling in her eyes.
Tom - Come on, Alice! I was joking; you know that.
She shrugged, blinked away her tears, and allowed a few lone drops to slide down her rosy, sweet cheeks.
Tom - Sorry!
Alice - It's alright.
She wiped away the tears with her fingers and managed a small, awkward smile.
Alice - Let's go eat; I'm starving.
Tom - Burger?
Alice - Sure, that works!
They headed to a well-known fast food joint, queued up at the drive-thru, and ordered their meals to go for enjoying at home.
...
Night had fallen as Brandon parked his motorcycle in front of a massive and luxurious mansion. He removed his helmet and stared intently at the gates before bowing his head in subtle frustration. As the gates opened and a smiling security guard appeared.
"Sir!"
Brandon - Good evening!
Security Guard - Coming in, sir?
Brandon - Yes, I will!
Revving the engine, he rode into the mansion, past the vast gardens, around the pool area, and up to the main entrance. He surveyed his surroundings before dismounting the bike, ascended the steps, and entered the mansion with a sense of impatience, where he was greeted by an elderly employee who had been living there for years.
Antonieta - Son, it's so good to see you!
She exclaimed, a joyous look on her face.
Brandon - How are you?
He embraced her and kissed the top of her head with affection.
Antonieta - I'm not doing too well, your father... he...
Her voice trailed off as Brandon felt her tears dampen his shirt.
Brandon - I'm going to see him.
Antonieta - The nurse is with him in his room.
He glanced at the stairs, pursed his lips, and ascended the steps without much hurry; he didn't want to see his father in such a dire, terminal state. It was more than painful; it was bordering on unbearable.
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