Chapter Text
January 22, Year 2XX7, Omega Earth
Today was a good lab day. The kind that makes time disappear.
I still arrived a bit too early because I’m afraid of being late, even though no one else seems to mind. I almost tripped over my own bag while putting on my lab coat (again), and I swear the sleeves gets longer every time I wash it. Still, it felt nice slipping it on. Like I belong there now, even if I’m still figuring things out.
Most of the day was spent in the toxin lab. I ran my experiments slowly... probably too slowly but I didn’t want to rush anything. Watching the reactions unfold still amazes me. Tiny changes in concentration, temperature, timing… and suddenly everything behaves differently. It feels like learning a secret language the world has been speaking all along.
I made a small mistake in the afternoon and had to redo part of the protocol. I felt embarrassed for about five minutes, then laughed it off. No one was upset. My supervisor even said it happens to everyone. That helped more than I expected.
During breaks, I caught myself smiling for no real reason. I like the hum of the equipment, the faint chemical smells, the quiet focus everyone shares. I like that my hands are always busy and my mind even more so. It’s comforting, in a way I didn’t know work could be.
When I left the lab, the sun was already low, and I realized I’d spent nearly the entire day inside without minding at all. I was tired, but the good kind of tired.
I’m still inexperienced. I still double-check everything. I still worry I’m doing something wrong. But I’m learning. And I love these days, messy notes, stained gloves, small discoveries and all.
If this is what my life looks like now, I think I’m happy.
Sabine Callas