Chapter 25 Missing
Missing
It had only been a week, but Gray's absence from the lab felt like a gaping void to Shelley. She hadn't expected to miss him this much. His casual, constant presence had become something she relied on, and without him, the lab seemed strangely hollow.
Even Dr. Terry had noticed the shift in Shelley's mood.
"You okay, Shelley?" Dr. Terry asked as she walked in, holding a folder.
Shelley blinked, startled to see her boss in her office so early. Dr. Terry rarely brought anything to her this early in the day, and the unexpected visit gave Shelley a jolt of hope.
"Oh, just feeling blue. The lab isn't the same without Gray around," Shelley admitted, her tone lighter than she felt. Her gaze dropped to the folder. "What's that you've got there?" She stretched out her hand, eager to take it.
Dr. Terry smiled, holding the folder out to her. "Well, this should brighten your day. Gray sent along the data from his first week. I took a quick glance, and it looks fantastic. I'll leave it to you to work your magic."
She turned to leave, but Shelley stopped her with a question.
"How's he doing out there? I've heard it can be tough being on such an isolated island."
Shelley leaned forward, her expression hopeful. She wanted—needed—to hear that Gray missed being here, missed her.
Dr. Terry paused, studying Shelley. There was no reproach in her eyes, only a quiet curiosity and a careful restraint. After a moment, she spoke.
"Gray's taking on an important project, one he's perfectly suited for.
The team he's working with has been supportive, ensuring he has everything he needs to succeed.
" She hesitated, then added, "I'm counting on you to keep playing a key role in his success.
No one analyzes data like you, Shelley. Your talent is invaluable, and I hope you know how much I appreciate it. "
With that, Dr. Terry left, closing the door gently behind her.
There was more she could have said, but with Shelley, she'd learned to tread lightly.
Praise worked better than pressure, much like with the animals she trained.
Besides, the updates Gray had sent spoke for themselves: he was thriving, both with his work and his new surroundings.
Shelley slumped back in her chair, staring at the folder in her hands. Dr. Terry's words lingered in her mind, but she pushed them aside, choosing instead to focus on the tangible connection the data offered.
At least now, with Gray's work spread out before her, she could pretend he wasn't so far away. With a deep breath, she opened the folder and pored over the numbers, immersing herself in them and secretly hoping the days would fly by, bringing him back into her orbit.