The bacteria under the microscope swam and wiggled around as Nell took notes on the pad next to her. She recorded their shapes, colors, and movements. Some were round, green, and moved slowly. Others were long, gray, and moved quickly from one end to the next. However, the ones that interested Nell most were the large, red bacteria-they repelled the other bacteria.
When one of the gray rods approached, the red bacteria would swell or even attack it. Watching the circular, red organism shift and push away the other bacteria, Nell thought back to the day Dr. Christine Hawk personally asked her to take on the project. It was odd the way Dr. Hawk asked to meet with her privately to discuss the task. The project was to be done quietly, behind closed doors, and any findings would be directly reported to Dr. Hawk. Of course, Nell has obeyed the orders, but there have been times when she considered asking for help. Nell blinked hard, then lifted her head away from her work to stare at the logo on her notepad-BioLogical. She’d been deep in thought for an hour now, and her eyes desperately needed a break. Looking up and around her laboratory, Nell noticed she was alone with one other scientist, Emma. The two of them seemed to have looked up at the same time and they each laughed when they made eye contact.
“How’s the research coming along, Dr. Kim?” Emma asked. “Have you found anything new?”

Nell bit her lip and slightly dropped her head before replying, “Nothing new yet. And please, just call me Nell. There’s no need for formality here.” Nell paused then started again, “I haven’t been able to learn why the subject continues to repel all the samples.” Nell considered her notes.
“How’s your work going, Emma? Are you still studying that new fungus?”
Emma stretched one arm across her body, “Yeah. It’s going well, I think. Nothing too exciting.” “Hey, slow and steady wins the race, right?” Nell asked.
The two of them chuckled in response. “Oh, Nell! I was going to ask. About the cake Leon brought for your birthday last week, do you know where he
bought it?” Emma asked.
“Hmm. I’m quite sure he mentioned that Jaque baked it from scratch at home. Do you have a birthday coming up?” Nell said.
Emma’s eyes lit up. “Really, from scratch? That’s even better! My mother’s birthday is next month, and I think she would appreciate a pretty cake like that one.”
“You should ask Leon about it sometime, I’m sure the two of you could figure out a great theme for it.” Nell’s eyes wandered to the clock across the room. “Oh! I can’t believe it’s already time to go. Do you want some help cleaning up before I go?”
“That’d be great, actually! Do you mind finishing the dishes? I’ll handle the rest.” “I don’t mind at all!” said Nell.
Nell removed the slide from her microscope, cleaned her workspace, and went to the dishes. After just a few minutes, all the labware was washed and set to dry.
“Okay, Emma” Nell started, “I’m out of here. Have a good night!” Nell shouted on her way out.
“Thanks, Nell! You too!” Emma returned.
Leaving the lab, Nell took in the view of the streets around her. The night was damp and chilly.

The lights of the surrounding businesses lit the walkways and crowds of people bustled through the city. The tall buildings blocked most of the rain that fell, but water still poured from above onto the pavement. Neon colors of blue, green, and pink reflected off the puddles and made the area appear brighter than usual.
Nell took out her umbrella, popped it open, and started her walk home. The thick boots on her feet and the umbrella overhead protected Nell from the rainfall, but she still felt the chill in the night air. After leaving one of the small night markets for some fresh carrots and potatoes, Nell heard a ring in her ear. She tapped the tiny device on the side of her head, near her temple, and answered, “Hello?”
“Hi mom!” a young boy shouted. “When are you coming home?” he asked.
Nell sighed. “I’m almost there, I just left the market. Are you doing your math homework like you promised?” Nell replied to the boy.
“Um, I’m almost done I think,” the boy said. Another voice chimed in, “Jason, tell your mother you just started.”
“Oh, I just started,” Jason said.
Nell sighed to herself. Then she added, “Sue, I just picked up some carrots and potatoes, do you mind starting dinner soon? I should be home shortly.”

There was a slight pause through the device. “Dr. Kim, have you already gone to the Registry Office? That was quick!” Sue added.
“No! I completely forgot until now. I am so sorry! Do you mind watching the kids for just a little while longer? I know you’re supposed to be off shortly, and I don’t want to keep you from your family.” Nell turned around and headed for a side street just past the lab. “And how many times must I ask you just call me Nell?”
“I’m sorry, Dr. Kim. I think your accomplishments should be celebrated and the best way for me to do that is to treat you with the respect you deserve.” There was a short pause before she continued, “And I’m sorry, but I cannot stay much longer. Jim’s stuck at work and I want to get dinner started for my kiddos as well.”
Nell stopped in the street and stood quietly for a moment.
If she doesn’t get her ID renewed at the Registry Office soon, she won’t have enough time to renew her certifications for work. Without those, she cannot continue Dr. Hawk’s project. In her mind, Nell saw the little, red bacteria pushing away the others.
“Dr. Kim?” Sue asked. “Are you still there?”
“Yes, my apologies,” Nell replied. “Thank you for everything, Sue. I’ll make a couple calls and see if I can find someone to help.”
“That sounds good, will you let me know when you have a replacement heading over? Also, I know you just bought the carrots and potatoes, but I saw them on your list earlier and went ahead and ordered them for the house. They arrived just a little bit ago, so I’ll just have dinner ready before you’re here. At least I
can help a little in that regard.” There was a subtle clang in the background and Nell heard Jason whispering to Sue asking for help with a math problem.
“That would be amazing, Sue. Thank you so much. Again, I’m sorry and I’ll let you know when I have someone else on their way. Let me know if anything comes up.” The device chimed to signal the call ended and Nell’s heart sank a little as she continued her way down the rainy street.