If somebody saw us right now, this girl would be heavily reprimanded for her manners. After all, she is about 10 years younger than me.
Her name is Sandra, the so-called prodigy of our academy. She produced great research that is known all over the world. Now she holds the same position as I do in the academy. I am quite proud of what she has become. After all, I was her professor and mentor back when she was still a student.
"Hey, kid, watch your manners. I am older than you and also your mentor."
"Manners? Mentor? Fuck you, old fool! You never taught me anything you treated me like a slave back then!! How high are you to consider yourself a mentor?" she snapped.
"Hahahaha. I still remember those days. It gives me so much delight. Hey, kid, get me some water over there. I might feel a little thirsty!?" I said, provoking her more.
"You!!!" Sandra was at her limit; her hands were shaking, wanting to strangle me.
"Don't be mad. You should know by now. I treated you like that so you could grow. Well, looking at you now, I think I succeeded. You make me proud," I said seriously while looking directly into her eyes. She felt a little embarrassed as I praised her achievements.
"So be thankful, for I am the reason why you succeeded. Next time you give a speech, make sure to thank me well, huh!!" I said as I ran inside the venue.
"Fuck you!!!" she shouted.
She clearly has a temper. Everyone knows that. However, based on her accomplishments alone, no one can reprimand her aside from me, of course.
The event was about to start. Everyone took their seats. I was sitting in the front row because I had a speech to give. Sandra was also sitting in front, but a little far from me. I saw her looking at me, so I looked back. She just gave me a middle finger.
"Hey, man, you're in front of hundreds of people. Many times I question where the hell I went wrong."
The program proceeded smoothly until it was time to deliver the final message.
"Everyone, for the last message today, we have one of the most esteemed professors in our academy."
I fixed my expression and showed the most welcoming smile. I was about to stand up when
"She is one of the most prominent young professors in our industry. The contributions she made, especially in research, are world-class. Now, I present Sandra Laviste!"
I quickly fixed my composure. My smile never left my face.
I looked at my former student and mentee as she took the stage. I felt no bitterness, only happiness for what she has achieved. She deserves that stage more than I do.
A few minutes later, the message finally ended. I immediately went outside and called Sebas so he could take me home. The event took hours, so Sebastian was probably already at home. I always told him to go back after dropping me off, since events usually take longer than expected.
People started distributing drinks to everyone. I took a shot, but it just tasted like juice. I decided to go upstairs and greet my co-workers and properly say goodbye to them. After all, this was my last day.
"Hey, old fool!" There was only one person who called me that.
"What is it, my precious student!" I said to provoke her. However, things felt a little different now.
"Someone told me that you were supposed to give the final message. I'm sorry."
Now this was new. She rarely showed this side of herself. I thought she would brag about it.
"Nah, forget about it. You should know by now I'll be leaving the academy. This is probably the last punch our boss gives me," I said.
"I'll burn her alive soon, don't worry. After I finish my new thesis, I'll probably kick her out and take her position. Last thing I'd do for my dying mentor."
"Hey, I'm still at my prime. Don't make me sound like a dying old man."
"Okay. I'll be leaving, old man. I'll give you time to cry alone after I take your stage. I'll go when my driver is in front," she said, waving at me.
After seeing her leave, I resumed my plan to go upstairs.
Everyone was happy and drinking. A waiter gave me another drink. I just took it like water because it didn't taste like alcohol at all.
I am close with all of my co-teachers. We drank as we talked about random things bottle after bottle until Sebastian finally called.
"I am at the front, sir," he said.
"Guys, my driver is here. I'll be leaving now. Take care on your way home!" I said to them,
Then I stood up. But something felt weird. It felt like my body didn't belong to me.
"Sir Brier, are you okay?" Everyone became worried because I suddenly paused.
"Nah, I'm good. You guys enjoy," I said as I focused on walking toward the stairs. I thought it was just juice why the hell am I this drunk? I questioned myself. Step by step, I walked.
There were a lot of people on the second floor, which made it harder to navigate.
"Excuse me… excuse me," I said as I moved through the crowd.
I passed from person to person until I saw my way down the stairs. I held onto the rail as I went down.
Then suddenly, someone pushed me, making me lose my footing and balance. I still managed to hold onto the rail. People started to panic as someone was in danger.
I was conscious, but my body didn't listen to me. My grip was starting to weaken.
"Help!!!!!" I shouted. People tried to pull me up. I also tried to push myself up, but my hand slipped.
Everything turned into slow motion. Everything slowed down even the people around me.
I am going to die.
No. Still too early. I'm still far from reaching my goal. I haven't shown Sandra who the boss is. I haven't beaten my boss. I haven't seen my parents yet.
Tears started to fall from my eyes. There are still so many things I haven't achieved.
I saw my childhood memories, my parents' struggles, my own struggles, the dreams I ignored.
"No! NO! NO!"
Not yet, let me set thing straight, let me fix it.
"Let me live"
All the regrets I kept inside my heart appeared one by one.
"Not like this!"
Not yet.
Bang!!!
My whole body froze. I felt the impact. A sharp pain hit my chest. I couldn't breathe. Using all my strength, I managed to sit up.
I tried to say something to tell them to call an ambulance but everyone was in panic. My vision started to blur.
"Professor!!! Hey, call an ambulance!"
"Sir, stay with us!"
"Brier!! Brier!!! Wake up, don't sleep!"
"thsuaksb skekrk, ehshu gie jehh"
My hearing started to fade. I want to sleep.
I am sorry, Mom… I don't think I can make it.
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"Brier!!! Brier!!! Wake up!!!"
"Mom?"
I think I am hallucinating.
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