The moment the model component Dr. Feranchi was holding suddenly slipped from his hand, everything seemed to freeze.
It was as if everything had suddenly turned to ash—cold, gray ash. It was also like the instant after an explosion, when every sound had been drowned out.
Dr. Feranchi slowly collapsed to the floor, as though he had lost all weight.
The world slowed down. His body jerked along in stages before finally landing on the floor. The impact made his cheeks tremble, while Mr. Orphi reached out but failed to catch him.
"Dad!"
"Doctor!!"
The crowd's shouts surged in like a tide. Everything became dazzling once more. The lights in the laboratory shone white as day, bright and beautiful, like the sun.
Dr. Feranchi stared at the lights above him. A halo of radiance spread through his pupils, and a faint smile appeared at the corners of his mouth.
He slowly closed his eyes.
They refused to let Dr. Feranchi's life end there, and tried to resuscitate him until the very last moment.
The city's traffic grew congested once more, yet the road leading to the hospital was unusually clear.
Outside the operating room stood not only Mr. Orphi, but also the Dean of the Research Institute and a group of anxious researchers. Before long, Dr. Feranchi's other old friend, Matthew, the director of the science museum, also hurried over after hearing the news.
Matthew's relationship with Dr. Feranchi was far closer than his relationship with the Dean of the Research Institute. Matthew was Feranchi's true close friend.
He came before Mr. Orphi, embraced him silently, then forcefully patted him on the shoulder, offering the comfort that an elder could give.
"I never thought something like this would happen."
Matthew let out a long sigh in front of Mr.