The Microbiologist

Willow

Willow's POV:

The sound of the centrifuge cycle being complete wakes me from my day dreaming. It seems that I spend more time in the lab than anywhere else in the world.  Being a scientist after all these years still gets me excited, the fact my research could be the next ground-breaking discovery makes my skin tingle. 

Prions, something unknown by most of the world was wreaking havoc on different animals. My Principal Investigator (PI), Dr. Gild started researching prions 25 years ago and has been studying the local wildlife population trying to find a connection to the rise in prion death cases. Grant money was tight since there wasn't a lot of research on this subject but Dr. Gild never let that stop her. 

When I started college at the University of Wilder, I was a bright-eyed freshman in Dr. Gild's class. Dr. Gild was an older woman with crazy grey hair flying out of her bun and huge glasses that covered majority of her face. My fellow classmates would fall asleep during our Introduction to Microbiology class but me no. I looked forward to that class every day. A month into school, I stayed after class to talk to Dr. Gild, I asked her about her research. Instead of just explaining the concepts she invited me to come see her lab. Ever since that day I walked into her lab, I've never left. I was Dr. Gild's only research assistant in all her years. She said she didn't have the funding to have lab assistances or the time to train them but she said I was different. She took me under her wing, throughout my undergrad I worked right beside her. Every day, even on weekends I was in the lab doing something. After I graduated with my bachelors, I decided I wasn't done with school or my research, so I started my PhD. Two years into my PhD, Dr. Gild proclaimed she needed her research to be done in a wider range. So, she decided to travel the world, leaving me to run the lab and continue our research her in Colorado. 

Now here I am 24, single, PhD candidate, that spends her life in a lab and I would not want my life any other way. Grabbing my samples from the centrifuge, I place them into the fridge and pack up for the day. Thank goodness, I was able to find an apartment close to the lab. Growing up in New York City, the traffic was so bad; there was no need to drive, so I never learned. Putting in my headphones I made my way home, glancing at the fall-colored leaves covering the trees reminded me of home. 

Home, despite living in Colorado the last 5 years I still missed home a ton. Especially Tom and Tim, my 13 year old younger brothers. My mother raised me and the twins by herself but always gave us the world. My brothers and I had different fathers, mine died when I was a baby and according to my mother the twins were the result of a one-night stand. Never-less, my mother loved us to her fullest. My music cuts out and my phone starts to ring. Ring Ring Ring.

My mother's name lights up on the screen. "Hey Mom!" I exclaimed into the phone.

"My sweetheart, how are you sweetie? Have you ate anything?" My mother asked.

"Yes mom, I've ate." rolling my eyes, "I'm doing good just finished up my day in the lab."

"I'm so proud of you honey, I just wanted to check in. Are  you still coming home for," A Growl cut though, Halloween?" 

"What was that?" I questioned my mom. "And yes I'm still coming home, I can't wait to see you!"

"Sorry sweetie, we are watching a movie. We are so excited to see you. I'll let you get back to your day. Love you!"

"I love you too mom, give the twins my love." I replied.

Unlocking my apartment door, my stomach felt unease after the phone call with my mom. She was acting normal but something just felt off. I must have spent to much time in the lab and am overthinking. Settling into a pair of sweatpants and a hoodie, I pulled my homework out on the couch. Another day another night filled with homework. 

Ring Ring Ring

I must have fallen asleep, my phone wakes me up as Tom's name pops up on the screen.   

"Hey, what ae you doing up this late?" I asked half-asleep.

"Willow you need to come home mom is sick, I..." A growl cut through the background as he cried, "I wasn't supposed to tell you..." The phone line cuts out.