"I tried to recruit her for my doctoral program years ago," Lewis muttered. "I heard she got married and quit science to work at her husband's company. I didn't expect to see her here."
Harrison waved Aurora over. She stepped out of the sterile zone, pulling off her mask. Her eyes widened when she saw the visitor.
"Professor Lewis," she said respectfully.
"Aurora," Lewis said, his tone half-scolding. "You vanished. I thought you had forgotten us old men and science altogether."
Aurora didn't look down. She met his gaze with a self-deprecating but confident smile.
"I didn't forget, Professor. I just took a... long, educational detour. Consider it a field trip on life's pitfalls. But I'm back now. And I'm more focused than ever."
Phineas raised an eyebrow, a flicker of amusement crossi
