Chapter 3

Elvira’s POV

I paced around the room, minutes after I sent my reply. I bit my fingernails in anticipation. I was reluctant at first but this was an opportunity I couldn't miss.

Nurture Corps. has the most advanced medical technology in the whole world. Even the most prestigious doctors around the globe would crawl for a chance to join their company.

The computer notified another email with a link to an airline ticket booked with my name in it.

Damn, they're fast.

I chuckled in amazement and read the letter saying my flight would be tomorrow at 3 am.

I spent the day checking on the patients and giving out orders for the next weeks since I will be staying in China for a while.

The nearby cafe was serene and relaxing as the gentle sun reflected off my mask. I already took my face mask off and unzipped my suit before I sighed in pleasure at the cool air blowing softly from the AC. I ordered some cappuccino and a black coffee for my uncle.

"Are you sure about this?" he said.

"This is an opportunity of a lifetime, uncle! I can't miss this. Besides, I'll call and check the hospital once in a while." I replied.

"How long will you be gone?"

"A month or so, depending on how long we could find a cure for the virus."

"But how about the hospital? We can't have anyone running the place."

"I'll check sometimes," I smiled at him before sipping some coffee.

"Well, I guess you're right. This could be a way for you to take a breather as well." He replied.

"When is your flight?" He asked.

"Tomorrow at 3 am," I answered as he choked on his coffee.

“What?!" He exclaimed.

"Yup, I guess they're sending some private plane since domestic flights aren't even allowed these days," I explained.

I looked at the sun that was descending into the depths of our city's horizon. It was then that I decided that it's time for me to pack up for the trip tomorrow.

"Well, I better get ready," I said and bid my uncle goodbye.

"Be safe in your travels, dear."

I microwaved some fast food I grabbed at the fridge before loading my suitcase with all the things I needed. I know, ironic. My condo was a bit less homey, quieter, and drier even with the tv blaring in the background.

At this time, my parents and I would be laughing together, enjoying each other's company. I fought back a sob and immediately went to bed after I set the alarm.

Regret and annoyance reverberated in my head as I punch the alarm click and scoffed off the bathroom.

2:09 am

The clock showed. I put on my traveling coat and immediately went off the road.

I waited for several minutes before I got a taxi and five more going to the airport.

The place surprised me since I could only see very few people buzzing around and there were no flights indicated on the large screens.

I looked around and saw an Asian man in a suit, holding a placard with my name scrawled all over it.

"Hi, I'm Elvira." I smiled at him as he gave back a nod.

"Come follow me, ma'am." He said.

I felt nervous since he was taking me to the landing field and there were no other people besides us.

A beautiful jet met us as he opened the door for me. Velvet couches, sleek tables polished to perfection, and a minibar!

I sat down and frowned. I was the only passenger. I look in the window as the pilot told me that we will be going off in a few minutes.

I thought about leaving the country and my hospital.

"I will be back with the cure. Even if it's the last thing I'll do." I said to myself as my consciousness faded into sleep.

It was rainy when we landed at the airport. I opened my umbrella as I go down, seeing a Lamborghini with a man in a suit, waiting for me along with his guards.

I approached the man as he takes his sunglasses off. I was shocked at how handsome he was in person and so young for a head director! Maybe in his late twenties?

But who the hell wears sunglasses in rain?

"Welcome to China, Doctor Lancer." He said.

"I am Hui Lou Wong, director of Nurture Corps."

I fought the urge to giggle like a little child and took his hand. I took my mask off since it was a little rude but he stopped me.

"It's okay." He said.

"Thank you, Mr. Wong." I smiled at him.

He led me to his car before we took off.

"Our company has been messaging excellent doctors and scientists from around the globe to help us find the cure for this disease." He said.

"I am very eager to do so especially when most of the people blame our country for it."

"Oh no sir, that is not true," I said before he smiled at me warmly.

"Anyway, your hospital has been one of the Philippines' top sanitariums for years and your name has been on numerous headlines as well." He continued.

"I am very sorry for what happened to your parents."

He even knows that? My mood went damp all of a sudden and the rain just made it worse. I gave him a nod as I raked my mind for questions just to veer the topic away.

"So, what is this new project you're working on?"

"It's supposed to bring clues of the virus and its origins. Our lab has developed a technology that will send doctors to an incubated space to get samples of the virus and examine it from the past so we would finally understand its roots and therefore find a cure." He answered.

Did he just say past? How in the world does that work? I shifted in my seat, I'm beginning to feel very uncomfortable.

"Excuse me, did you say 'past'? As in like from yesterday's?" I said. I must have looked so dumb since he chuckled.

"Why yes, doctor Lancer."

"So it's like a time machine?" I said blankly.

"Hmm if you put it that way, I guess? But the main objective here is to get samples from the past so we could test its properties and the device is still on testing." He said.

That's impossible.

A technology where you could go back to the past? If it is indeed possible, then I might as well meet my parents back.

The car went to a stop as I got whisked away from my sudden fantasy.

"We're here." Mr. Wong said as I gasped at the most beautiful glass architecture I've ever seen in my life.

We went inside as doctors and people in suits walked around busily with papers and devices on hand. I can't believe I will be working here.

"Selene here will assist you to your quarters doctor, have some rest, and tomorrow, we will start to work our way towards the cure." He winked at me before leaving.

"Follow me, ma'am." A pretty girl said as I followed her. I looked back, seeing a man carrying all my stuff in a luggage cart.

She led me into an outstanding room, way better than my condo. She bid me goodbye as the man starts to put my stuff inside. I looked at the fridge and gasket at all the food inside. This is the life!

The man left and I was rolling at the softest bed, giggling in delight.