Shorts

3

So when Mrs. Romanov told me to re-do the experiment, I didn't realize that she would partner with me. We were the only ones in the room and it was incredibly awkward. We didn't say a word to each other and I found myself second guessing everything. I was also a little on edge whenever our shoulders would brush. I'm sure I was blushing like mad right now.

I'd occasionally hear Mrs. Romanov release a quiet scoff or roll her eyes. At times, she'd appear annoyed. Almost as if she was listening to someone annoy her. What caused me to arch a brow was when she mumbled something unintelligible.

"Are you alright?" I touched her arm and flinched.

"Are you alright?" She questioned back.

"Ya, it's just... do you need my jacket or something? You're freezing." She smiled at my comment. "Like seriously. Look." I lifted my hand to show that the reduced blood flow caused my hand to become a little pale.

"It's colder in Russia." She joked.

"Why'd you come here?"

"I... I was trying to rekindle something that I lost." She stared off like the memory saddened her.

"Your husband?" She arched a brow at me, so I motioned to her wedding ring. Mrs. Romanov smiled at it.

"No, not husband." She then looked at me with so much love. "I was gifted this particular stone by someone very dear to me." She stared into my eyes. "She found this stone while catching water from the well. Brought it to someone she trusted and he helped to fashion it into a gem and make a ring. She then gave me the ring." She smiled and stared at the object.

"How's your wife?" I cleared my throat since I was somewhat troubled over her being married.

"Suffering from misplaced memories." She sighed and looked off.

"Like amnesia?"

"Worse." Mrs. Romanov looked down and bitterly smiled. "I've been advised to just let her be and not physically interact with her since that would allow her to finally be at peace." It seemed that those words pained her.

"That's stupid and not empathetic. They should realize how hard that is for you. It's your wife and you obviously love her-"

"More than you can imagine." Her voice cracked. "And I was... but, she's... not safe and I can't allow her to be hurt. But, she always gets hurt." She gripped the table and I noticed dent marks. Holy, shit! "But what about you, Iris?" She breathed out.

"No wife." I tried to joke, but it seemed my comment cut her to the core. "Mrs. Romanov-"

"I think you can finish this section on your own." She gave me a quick smile and walked to her desk.

I felt like I said something wrong and I really wanted to apologize, but it didn't look like she wanted to talk right now. I sighed and continued working. It took me a while longer since I was the only one working. I felt bad for keeping Mrs. Romanov late, but it didn't appear that she minded. In fact, it seemed that she enjoyed being here. I don't know why since my presence isn't a reward.

"I'm done." I approached her desk. She lifted her head to see the paper in my hand.

"Nice work." She took the paper. I went to leave, but she grabbed my wrist. I hissed at the cold temperature. She quickly realized her action and immediately released me.

"Damn, you have a grip." I rubbed my bruised wrist?

"Sorry." She looked at the darkening sky. "It's late and probably best to walk out together."