Carlo stood in front of the laboratory door, his face filled with worry and urgency. He pounded on the door repeatedly, hoping to gain entry, but the stubborn door knob refused to budge. "Please open up!" he shouted, his voice tinged with desperation.
Just as Carlo's heart threatened to burst from his chest, Evie appeared by his side, sharing his frustration. She joined in the banging, her voice echoing through the hallway. "Edward! Open up, you idiot!" she exclaimed, her words laced with exasperation.
From within the laboratory, Edward's voice rang out, defiant and stubborn. "No, I don't want to see you!" he shouted, his tone filled with anger and frustration.
The commotion caught the attention of Professor Baldy, who happened to pass by at that very moment. His eyes widened in surprise as he witnessed the chaotic scene unfolding before him. Stepping forward, he demanded answers. "What's wrong, you two?" he asked, concern etched on his face.
Evie turned towards Professor Baldy, her voice laced with irritation. "Edward has locked himself in and won't come out," she explained, her frustration evident.
Professor Baldy's bald head seemed to radiate anger as he banged on the door, his voice booming with authority. "Edward, get out of there!" he shouted, his impatience palpable.
Inside the laboratory, Edward's voice carried a mix of anger and resentment. "Leave me alone!" he retorted, his words laced with defiance.
Evie, her patience wearing thin, confronted Edward with a fiery determination. "What happened? Just tell us!" she demanded, her voice filled with a mix of frustration and concern.
Carlo, realizing that a different approach might be necessary, attempted to diffuse the tension. He adopted a more soothing tone as he spoke to Edward. "Edward, just calm down, and we'll talk about it," he pleaded, hoping to woo him out of the laboratory.
As the sound of relentless banging filled the air, Edward, dressed in a somber gray tuxedo, placed a white envelope labeled "Will" on the laboratory table. A heavy silence fell upon the room as his words hung in the air. "I'm sorry, you guys..." he began, his voice filled with a mix of sadness and determination.
Outside the locked door, the frantic banging ceased, and Professor Baldy, Carlo, and Evie pressed their ears against the cold surface, straining to hear Edward's next words. The weight of his statement hung heavily in the air as he continued, his voice serious and resolute. "I've decided to die here."
A surge of panic engulfed Professor Baldy, Carlo, and Evie, their hearts racing with fear and desperation. Evie's voice trembled as she pleaded with fervor, "Edward, open the door! You can't die!" Carlo, equally frantic, joined in the chorus, his voice filled with desperation. "Please, Edward, open up!"
Amidst the chaos, Honey, observing the scene from behind the trio, felt a surge of determination rise within her. With a resolute expression, she stepped forward, her voice cutting through the clamor. "Leave it to me," she declared, her tone filled with unwavering determination.
Carlo turned around, surprise evident on his face as he looked at Honey. "Honey?" he exclaimed, his voice a mix of surprise and hope. Honey smiled back at them, her mind already racing, concocting a plan to address the dire situation.
Edward's hands trembled as he held a jar of medicine, his intentions clear. With a serious expression, he poured a multitude of capsules into his hand, his breath heavy with a sense of finality. Gradually, he moved his trembling hand towards his mouth, ready to consume the capsules.
However, just as he was about to take the fateful step, a tantalizing aroma reached his nostrils. He paused, sniffing the air, his curiosity piqued. Something delicious beckoned to him, luring him away from his desperate thoughts.
Driven by the intoxicating scent, Edward abandoned his original plan and began crawling around the area, sniffing like a dog on a scent trail. The outside noise became a distant white noise as he followed the aroma, his face brightening with recognition and joy.
With a cheerful smile, Edward swung open the laboratory door, inadvertently pushing Evie and Carlo aside, causing Carlo's arm to collide with the wall. The four of them stood in surprise as Edward emerged from the locked room.
"I want some BBQ meat!" Edward exclaimed, his voice brimming with delight. It became apparent that his previous actions had been an act, carefully orchestrated to deceive those around him. Professor Baldy, who had created the white noise, exchanged a knowing glance with Honey, who had used a BBQ-scented spray to entice Edward out.
Honey simply smiled, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction, as if her plan had succeeded. Carlo, in awe of Honey's ingenuity, exclaimed, "Honey, you're so impressive!"
A shadow of disappointment flickered across Edward's face as he realized he had fallen into a trap. He made a feeble attempt to retreat back into the laboratory, but Professor Baldy swiftly intervened, restraining Edward on the floor. Meanwhile, Carlo rushed inside to understand the unfolding situation.
Honey and Evie exchanged glances, their surprise evident. Evie's voice filled with disbelief as she remarked, "I can't believe they have stuff like this!" Honey nodded, a knowing smile playing on her lips, and replied, "You can really buy anything in Crescendo."
☘
Inside the laboratory, Honey's keen observation led her to discover that the capsules Edward had intended to consume were, in fact, Vitamin C. She spoke up, a hint of amusement in her voice, "Vitamin C. Seems like it would be really good for you." Her smile hinted at the absurdity of the situation. Evie, scratching her head, chimed in, "These two are so ridiculous."
Meanwhile, Professor Baldy and Carlo found themselves bound by a large rope, their defeated expressions revealing the consequences of their actions. Evie sighed in exasperation, muttering, "Why do they always end up losing? So sloppy..."
Shaking off their restraints, Professor Baldy and Carlo regained their composure, their frustration evident. Professor Baldy approached Edward, who sat sulking in a chair, and demanded answers. "Edward, tell me. What is this all about?" Carlo added, annoyed, "Yeah, what did we do wrong?"
Edward, his face contorted in a mix of sadness and anger, sniffled as if on the verge of tears. "How long do you think it's been since I got back from New York?" he questioned. His voice wavered with a childlike vulnerability. "It's been two weeks, dude!" he exclaimed.
Professor Baldy turned around, his tone laced with irritation. "So what?" he retorted, failing to grasp the significance of Edward's statement. Edward, his voice filled with frustration, responded, "Why didn't anyone throw me a 'Welcome Home' party?"
Carlo turned around, his annoyance evident in his voice. "You were going to kill yourself over something like that?" he questioned, disbelief coloring his words. Edward, anger brewing within him, snapped back, "Don't call it 'something like that'!"
Professor Baldy, his patience waning, turned to face Edward, his voice tinged with anger. "Just when I thought you'd matured a little by going to New York. You're still troublesome!" he scolded.
Standing from his seat, Edward's anger flared. "If you think someone matures just by traveling abroad, you're completely wrong," he retorted sharply. Carlo attempted to interject, but Professor Baldy halted him, his gaze fixed on Edward. "You shouldn't have returned until you've matured then!" he declared sternly, emphasizing the need for growth and change.
Evie, sensing the escalating tension, intervened, imploring the group to calm down. "Guys, calm down," she urged, her voice filled with a touch of exasperation. Edward, feeling a sense of guilt, decided to remove the rope that bound Professor Baldy and Carlo. He believed that he was at fault, hoping that his gesture would bring some resolution.
With a sigh, Edward posed a question, his voice carrying a glimmer of hope. "So...? When are you going to throw me a party?" he asked, his eyes darting between the faces of his companions. Yet, to his dismay, no one responded to his query. Their silence spoke volumes, leaving Edward feeling uncertain and alone.
But then, a mischievous thought crossed Edward's mind. A mischievous smile crept onto his face as he exclaimed, "Why don't we do it now? Yay!" He clapped his hands together like an excited child, expecting his proposal to be met with enthusiasm. However, his antics were met with blank stares, as if no one was willing to support his spontaneous idea. Edward's smile faltered, and he stopped his playful antics, sensing the lack of support.
To break the awkward silence, Honey glanced at her wrist as if checking the time on an invisible watch. "Oh, dear," she exclaimed, feigning surprise. "I... have an event to attend right now." Honey walked out of the laboratory, pretending to be in a hurry to attend her fictional event.
Evie, catching on to the act, followed suit. "I'm sorry, Edward. I have to get back to work," she said, quickly making her way towards the exit. Professor Baldy, not wanting to be left behind, chimed in, "I've gotta go feed my goldfish!" and hurriedly followed Honey and Evie, leaving Edward standing there, bewildered and disappointed.
Edward's face contorted in confusion. He watched as his friends deserted him one by one, their excuses sounding flimsy in his ears. Just as Carlo attempted to make his escape, Edward's annoyance got the better of him. In a swift motion, he grabbed a nearby rope and bound Carlo, preventing him from leaving. Carlo's eyes widened in fear, realizing that he was in for an interesting (and potentially troublesome) ride.
Whispering mischievously into Carlo's ear, Edward taunted, "You don't have anything to do, right, Carlo?" Carlo's nervous expression confirmed his predicament, realizing that he was about to be caught up in Edward's whirlwind of mischief and unpredictability.
Feeling a sudden rush of urgency, Carlo hastily removed the rope that bound him, fumbling with the knots. "I'm really busy looking for a job!" he exclaimed in a panicked tone, making a beeline for the door. With a mix of relief and annoyance, Carlo managed to escape, leaving Edward standing there, slightly deflated but still determined to find a way to celebrate.
And so, Edward found himself alone, contemplating the unexpected turn of events. A wry smile formed on his lips as he muttered to himself, "Well, I guess it's just a party for one then." He chuckled softly, ready to embrace the absurdity of the situation and make the most of his solo celebration, no matter how unconventional it might be.
☘
Carlo, dressed in a smart grey tuxedo and holding a briefcase, walked confidently through the city streets, heading towards the company where he had a job interview. Edward, still grumbling about the lack of a party, trailed alongside him, his frustration apparent.
Edward couldn't contain his discontent any longer and burst out, "Let's have a party! A party!" His voice echoed with the demands of a spoiled child. Carlo, focused on his own concerns, didn't respond and continued walking towards his destination.
Growing angrier, Edward couldn't understand why Carlo wasn't happier about his return. He felt that it was only natural for everyone to welcome him back with open arms. "Why aren't you happier now that I'm back?" Edward demanded, his voice filled with frustration. "It's only normal to welcome me back!"
Carlo, his patience wearing thin, stopped walking and turned to face Edward. In a serious tone, he confronted him, "Stop being so selfish!" Edward, taken aback by the sudden change in Carlo's demeanor, looked at him with confusion. "What do you mean?" he asked, genuinely puzzled.
Carlo took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before responding. "You didn't tell anyone when you left for America, so don't expect us to be thrilled that you're back," he explained, his voice tinged with frustration. Edward's eyes widened as he realized the impact of his actions—or rather, lack thereof.
"Did you think about Honey's feelings at all?" Edward hadn't considered the feelings of his friends, particularly Honey, during his absence.
Silence hung in the air, broken only by the weight of Carlo's words sinking in. Edward was silenced, his previous complaints losing their footing. He had thoughtlessly returned, expecting a warm reception without considering the impact of his actions.
Carlo let out another sigh, deciding to change the subject. "Anyway, stop bothering me," he said, his tone a mix of exasperation and concern. As they reached the entrance of the company building, Carlo bid Edward farewell and walked inside, leaving Edward standing there, his thoughts consumed by the realization of his selfishness.
Edward's mind raced as he contemplated Carlo's words. He realized that his perspective had been clouded by his own desires, neglecting the impact his actions had on those around him. A pang of guilt washed over him, and he vowed to reflect on his behavior and make amends.
☘
Carlo sat in the waiting room alongside other applicants, lost in his thoughts. The memories of Edward's departure and the impact it had on Honey resurfaced, causing a pang of resentment to swirl through his mind. It seemed as though Edward hadn't considered Honey's feelings when he left, and the weight of that realization burdened Carlo's thoughts.
Lost in his contemplation, Carlo's attention snapped back to reality as one of the staff members called his name. "Mr. Carlo D'Amico?" she called out. Carlo quickly composed himself and replied, "I'm here." The staff member proceeded to call out the names of the other applicants and informed them that the job interview would begin shortly.
Inside the conference room, Carlo found himself among five other applicants, all dressed in tuxedos, facing the employers who were ready to conduct the interview. The atmosphere was undeniably intimidating, and Carlo's nerves started to creep in.
The employer addressed the applicants, setting the tone for the interview. "Well then... Please tell me your best college memories, one by one." Carlo's anxiety heightened as the unusual request caught him off guard.
The first applicant confidently shared, "When I was a sophomore, I participated in an Olympics event for running." The employer's eyes lit up with admiration, clearly impressed by the applicant's achievement.
The second applicant followed, boasting, "I climbed the summit of Mount Everest." The employer's curiosity peaked, captivated by the adventurous feat.
As it was Carlo's turn, his nerves got the better of him. His mind went blank, and he struggled to come up with an impressive college memory to share. With a nervous stutter, he managed to say, "I won a lottery at a store on a shopping street..."
The employer's face twisted in confusion, clearly underwhelmed by Carlo's response. Laughter erupted from the other applicants, mocking Carlo's seemingly mundane memory. The staff member quickly silenced the laughter, reminding everyone to maintain professionalism.
Carlo felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him, realizing that his response had fallen flat. He took a deep breath, trying to gather himself, determined not to let his distress show. He knew that his chances of fitting into the company were dwindling, but he resolved to remain composed and make the best of the situation.
As the interview continued, Carlo bravely pushed aside his embarrassment, answering the subsequent questions to the best of his ability. He focused on showcasing his skills, enthusiasm, and genuine interest in the role, hoping to leave a positive impression despite the rocky start.
While disappointment lingered, Carlo reminded himself that setbacks were a part of life, and the most important thing was to persevere and learn from each experience. He refused to let a momentary lapse define him, knowing that growth and resilience were born from moments of vulnerability.
As the interview drew to a close, Carlo mustered a smile, thanking the employers for their time and consideration. He left the conference room with his head held high, ready to face whatever came next, knowing that even in moments of embarrassment, there was always an opportunity for growth and redemption.
☘
Honey was immersed in her painting, a smile gracing her face as she poured her creativity onto the canvas. Suddenly, she was interrupted by Edward's familiar voice calling out to her. "Hey, Honeylyn," he said, his tone filled with a mix of uncertainty and longing.
Honey paused her brush mid-stroke, turning her gaze towards Edward. There was a flicker of surprise in her eyes as she took in his presence. Edward continued, his voice filled with vulnerability, "Do you wish I hadn't come back?"
Confusion washed over Honey's features as she processed Edward's question. Why would he think that? Before she could respond, Edward took a step closer, closing the distance between them. He continued, sharing what Carlo had said to him earlier.
Honey's brows furrowed, her expression turning serious, but then a gentle smile bloomed on her face, radiating warmth like the sun breaking through the clouds. She spoke softly, her words carrying a genuine sincerity, "I'm glad."
Edward, taken aback by Honey's response, stood there, his heart trembling with emotions he struggled to express. "Huh?" he managed to utter, his voice barely a whisper.
With a softness in her eyes, Honey continued, "I'm glad that you came back, Edward." Her words filled the air with a sense of acceptance, forgiveness, and the rekindling of a deep connection. In that moment, a heartwarming scene unfolded before them, as Edward's walls crumbled, and he was touched by Honey's genuine sentiment.
Tears welled up in Edward's eyes, his emotions overwhelming him. It was a mix of relief, gratitude, and a renewed sense of belonging. Honey's unconditional acceptance and her radiant smile embraced him, mending the wounds caused by his thoughtless actions.
In that painting room, a beautiful reconciliation took place, as the bonds of friendship and understanding were rekindled. Edward and Honey stood there, locked in a heartfelt embrace that spoke volumes, their hearts finding solace and forgiveness in each other's presence.
☘
In the boys' dormitory at night, Carlo sat at the floor, distressed, as he stared at the pile of rejection letters from various companies. Max, diligently organizing his own papers, couldn't help but comment, "There's so many, you'd think you'd have been accepted to at least one place."
Carlo sighed deeply, his face filled with disappointment. "Yeah, that's what I thought, so I just kept looking through them," he replied, his voice heavy with dismay. Edward, lying on the floor inside Carlo's room, added nonchalantly, "Being able to fail repeatedly is a great ability, you know."
Carlo scoffed at Edward's remark, his frustration evident. "That's an ability I don't want," he replied, a tinge of bitterness in his voice.
Just as the three friends were immersed in their conversation, the door to Carlo's room swung open, and a figure barged in. They looked up in surprise and exclaimed in unison, "Brother Romaya!" It was their wise and respected mentor, Romaya, who had been their guiding light throughout their journey.
Romaya calmly walked into the room and took a seat on the floor. He looked at Carlo with a serene expression and replied, "You should win by losing."
The three friends quickly knelt before Romaya, showing their utmost respect. Carlo, still feeling dejected, couldn't help but voice his confusion. "What do you mean by 'win by losing'?" he asked, seeking guidance.
Romaya continued, his tone gentle yet firm. "You've heard that when you come across a bear in the forest, it's best to play dead, right?"
Carlo nodded, his eyes fixed on Romaya, eager to understand the connection between the bear and his current situation.
"In essence," Romaya explained, "you're losing to the bear on purpose in order to win and survive."
Carlo, Max, and Edward pondered Romaya's words, their minds processing the deeper meaning behind his analogy. Suddenly, Edward's face lit up with realization. He turned to Carlo excitedly and exclaimed, "That's it, Carlo! You need to be like that!"
Carlo's spirits lifted as he contemplated Edward's words. "So you mean if I keep on not getting hired, I'll succeed?" he asked, a glimmer of hope shining in his eyes.
A sudden silence fell upon the room, and Romaya's smile faded. His expression froze hilariously, as if he had gone into a temporary stasis.
☘
The sun rose on a crisp morning as Max, clutching a sturdy briefcase filled with important files, made his way to the hospital. Little did he know that fate had conspired to bring him face to face with an unexpected turn of events.
Within the hospital walls, Ms. Marie, a usually composed and professional woman, found herself nursing a secret back injury. With utmost discretion, she had been whisked away to the hospital, hidden from prying eyes. And it was to her sanctuary that Max journeyed, armed with papers that required her signature.
Concern etched upon his face, Max approached Ms. Marie's bedside. "Are you okay? You should try not to move too much," he said, his voice filled with genuine worry. Ms. Marie, grasping a pen weakly, signed the papers and inquired, "What do you think I should tell people?"
Her appearance was a far cry from her usual poised self. "I'm so embarrassed to have strained my back. There's no way I can tell the boss," she confessed, wincing as a twinge of pain shot through her.
Grimacing in agony, Ms. Marie gripped the bed rails tightly, her teeth clenched. Sensing her distress, Max sought to console her. "I don't think that's the case at all. It's happening to a lot of younger people these days," he reassured, his voice calm and soothing.
Gradually, Ms. Marie composed herself, releasing a deep sigh. "Even if it is just a slipped disc, maybe we can think of a more creative name," she mused. Perplexed, Max queried, "Huh?"
With a deliberate motion, Ms. Marie removed her eyeglasses, her eyes gleaming mischievously. "There has got to be some cooler names," she declared. Max furrowed his brow, pondering the suggestion. "Yeah... how about a torn interior cruciate ligament?" he suggested tentatively.
Suddenly, a spark ignited within Ms. Marie, and she exclaimed, "Great!" Her finger jabbed in Max's direction, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. But alas, her exuberance was short-lived as another wave of pain washed over her.
In the face of renewed discomfort, Ms. Marie sighed deeply, her resilience tested. "Although that's not what happened at all. Anything else?" she asked, her voice tinged with a hint of weariness. Max, ever the quick thinker, proposed with a touch of humor, "Or maybe... an injured meniscus?" He bestowed upon her a comical title, hoping to lighten the atmosphere.
Ms. Marie's eyes lit up, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "That one's really good too. Even if they ask when you hand that over, you're under no circumstances allowed to say a thing about me throwing out my back," she instructed, her tone filled with mischief. Max nodded calmly, his commitment unwavering. "Got it. I won't say a thing."
Back at Ford Designs, Max recounted the events surrounding Ms. Marie's back injury to Nathan, his voice carrying through the telephone line. Nathan's laughter filled the air as he responded, "Then I guess I'll take over her project. I'll leave it all to you." With those words, he concluded the call, his mind already shifting gears to assume new responsibilities.
Nathan's gaze fell upon a ceramic drinking glass resting on his desk, sparking an idea. Seizing the telephone once again, he dialed Evie's number. As the connection was established, Nathan wasted no time in sharing the news of Ms. Marie's predicament. "She won't be able to handle the project anymore," he informed Evie, his tone tinged with a mix of excitement and determination. "I'm in charge of it now instead of Marie."
On the other end of the line, Evie's voice registered surprise. "Is that so?" she questioned, her curiosity piqued by the unexpected turn of events. Nathan, brimming with enthusiasm, continued, "So I'd like to go with the samples you made before. Could you make eight by Friday?"
The request caught Evie off guard, her astonishment evident. "What? That many?" she exclaimed. Not one to be deterred, Nathan countered, "If you can't, that's fine. I'll ask someone else."
However, Evie's determination shone through as she swiftly made up her mind. "No. I'll do it!" she declared, her voice resolute and unwavering. Nathan's face broke into a wide smile, his confidence in Evie evident. "Really? Then I'll leave it to you," he responded warmly before gently setting down the phone.
☘
In the laboratory, Honey found herself engrossed in the latest university newspaper, her eyes fixed on an article featuring her and her award-winning painting. The headline proclaimed, "Honelyn Beaumont: The Future of Crescendo's Art World." Yet, instead of basking in the glory, Honey felt a sense of unease wash over her. She reached for a pencil and shaded her name on the paper, as if trying to distance herself from the attention it brought. The weight of being called by that name seemed to distress her.
Moments later, Carlo burst into the laboratory, spotting Honey in the common room. A warm smile illuminated her face as she greeted him, "Welcome back." Carlo returned the smile and nodded in agreement. He was dressed in a tuxedo, suggesting that he had just come from a job interview.
Taking a seat opposite Honey, Carlo's gaze fell upon the newspaper and the melancholic expression on Honey's face. With a sigh, he spoke up, his voice filled with sincerity, "You know, you're amazing, Honey." Honey looked at him, her eyes searching for the meaning behind his words.
Carlo continued, "Having an article written about you means that a lot of people want to know about you, right?" He paused briefly before adding, "I keep getting asked many questions at job interviews, but that's completely different."
Gradually, a smile started to form on Honey's face as Carlo's words resonated with her. She spoke, her voice carrying a mix of gratitude and contemplation, "I'm glad that I'm being recognized, but..." Carlo maintained his gaze, fully attentive to Honey's words. With a hint of vulnerability, she continued, "Sometimes... I wonder why on Earth I'm doing all of this." Honey's yearning for a singular focus on her art was evident. "I just want to spend my time painting," she confessed.
Understanding the depth of Honey's sentiment, Carlo nodded empathetically. He observed the weariness in her eyes and the fading brightness of her smile, recognizing the toll that external expectations and pressures can take on an artist's soul. In that moment, he vowed to support her in finding a balance between recognition and the purity of her artistic passion.