Allison's POV
The next morning at the institute, I learned the news that Bellingham was leaving.
He had accepted an offer to lead a prestigious project in Vancouver, and the department quickly decided to hold a farewell gathering for him on Friday.
Friday evening found me at The Blue Moon Lounge, surrounded by my research colleagues who'd gathered for Bellingham's farewell party.
"To Dr. Bellingham," Dr. Alonso, our institute director, raised his glass. "Your brilliance will be Vancouver's gain and our loss."
We clinked glasses as Bellingham smiled modestly. I felt a genuine pang of sadness; he had been not just a colleague but a true friend during some of my darkest times.
"So," Zoe nudged me after the toasts died down, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "
