Laura
I flip through the latest batch of data on my screen, my fingers hesitating over the keyboard as I scan the numbers. Something feels off, but I can’t put my finger on it. Maybe I’m just exhausted. The lab is empty except for the faint hum of equipment, the overhead lights casting long shadows across the sterile countertops. I exhale, rolling my shoulders, and prepare to go over the results one more time.
Then my phone buzzes. Dr. Langford.
I frown before answering. “Dr. Langford?”
His voice is calm, but there’s a weight to it. “Laura, can you come to my office?”
I hesitate. This late? “Of course. Give me a minute.”
Sliding my chair back, I shut down my monitor and grab my notes. As I step out into the quiet hallway, a strange unease creeps in. Maybe it’s the exhaustion, or mayb
