Chapter 5

Julian gently squeezed the IV tube, cool liquid with his body warmth slowly entering my veins.

When I woke, I couldn't help but marvel, "You're truly dedicated to your patients."

Julian's face looked a bit unnatural. "You're not just my patient; you're also my friend."

I was startled by the answer, taking a moment to process it.

Julian's lowered lashes fluttered. "Of course, maybe it's just me unilaterally thinking you're my friend."

"No, no, no, I'd be honored to be your friend!"

"I thought geniuses like you only liked making friends with other geniuses."

I paused. "I'm just surprised you'd even consider me."

Julian frowned and pursed his lips, lost in thought.

After a moment, he slowly raised his eyes, his earlobes flushing, his expression incredibly serious.

"Charlotte Davies, you are the kindest, most understanding person I've ever met."

"When I start talking about my research, I can't stop, and everyone else gets annoyed, but you listen patiently and ask questions."

"When you look seriously into my eyes and smile at me, it makes me really happy."

"In my heart, you're amazing."

My eyes grew warm, and I turned my head, feigning nonchalance. "As a friend, do I get any special privileges?"

Julian lowered his head to check his phone, then said earnestly, "I just asked my AI."

"As a friend, I have an obligation to be there for you when you need me."

"So, is there anything you want to do?"

Julian drove me back to the apartment complex, and I softly called out, "Mimi."

A rustling sound came from the bushes.

A tabby cat peeked out, looking around warily, then emerged when it saw me.

It circled my legs, rubbing against me and meowing affectionately.

After making sure Mimi was okay, I got up to leave.

Julian spoke up. "I thought you'd take her home."

"You really like her, and she likes you too."

I fell silent for a moment, my chest heavy.

I had thought about adopting her too.

But when Mom found out, she said stray cats carry all sorts of germs, bad for people.

I mustered my courage and said, "I'll take her to get her shots!"

The dinner table went quiet for a moment, Mom looking a little awkward.

Alex scoffed. "Charlotte Davies, Mom's giving you an out, can't you tell?"

"Let me tell you, no cats allowed in this house, because Serena doesn't like them!"

"Whatever Serena dislikes, anything you say is useless."

I murmured, "I don't have a home, so how can I give her one?"

That was just where I was staying, dependent on others.

I composed myself and asked Julian, "Do you know anywhere with a really, really tall building?"

Seeing his confusion, I quickly explained, "The ancients used to say you could reach out and pluck stars from the sky, and I want to try that too."

He nodded. "I know a place where the stars are beautiful."

"I'll make a call to set it up."

A shadow fell over me.

I exhaled slowly, looking up. "Where are we going next?"

It wasn't Julian.

I stared blankly at Mom and Alex.