'Are you fucking stupid?!' Leo's mother screamed. 'That's suicide, you idiot! You're really considering killing yourself over some bitch?!'
Leo exhaled, frustrated. He knew explaining this to everyone would be hard, especially his mother. Leo's mother was stuck in a Mental Rehabilitation facility for nearly six years; and had just been released last year. She had no job or source of income, and solely relied on Leo for financial support. So he understood to some extent as to why she reacted that way.
'You really want to abandon me over some silly dream and end up dying shamelessly like your father did?!' She spat out, furious. 'Grow some fucking balls, Leo! Why don't you just find yourself a good job and a girlfriend and settle down like a normal human being?!'
'You're one to talk.' Leo muttered.
'The fuck did you just say?!' His mother glared at him dead in the eyes, daring him to return her gaze.
Leo closed his eyes.
'Never mind.' He said.
'You know what, Leo? Fuck you! Go and kill yourself for all I care! Your father left me, and now you're doing it too! You're just a coward, Leo! An idiot who's too afraid to solve his problems! Face it, Leo! You always have and will always be a pussy!'
With that, Leo's mother stuck her middle finger in his face and slammed the door shut to his apartment.
Leo let out a huge sigh of relief.
He wanted to scream 'You're one to talk, Mom! Instead of finding a decent job after dad died to take care of us, you took to drugs and left me in the care of Grandpa. You made me stay in our apartment all alone whilst you were stuck in rehab trying to cure your drug addiction. The only real pussy I see here is the sorry excuse for a woman sitting in front of me!'
But of course he couldn't say that. Leo wasn't the type of person who disrespected an adult in that way. At least Leo's mom taught him one good habit.
Leo bit his lip as he tried to swallow the lump that was forming in his throat. A small, tiny creep of doubt started coursing through his veins. What if it didn't work? He would really just be throwing his life away! And he couldn't just leave his mother all alone, she was incredibly impulsive and would suffer a lot without his help.
But then, Leo remembered. He remembered the thing that kept him going all throughout those years.
Hope.
Leo had hope that Suki was still alive somewhere. She had to be, because all the facts didn't add up. And he would find her, no matter what it takes.
Even if it meant leaving everything that he ever loved behind...
The next day...
'I'm going to log myself into the Neurometer completely.' Leo said.
His professor, Miss Aiko, looked at Leo and sighed in exasperation. She had always admired Leo's drive of determination and will to never give up, but she thought Leo was like a drowning man trying to grasp a straw. She was with him since day one when he first applied to KURST, and guided and helped him throughout the whole process of building the Neurometer. She had grown fond of Leo and always pitied the poor boy for his rough childhood. In some ways, she had been like the mother Leo never had.
So she was baffled when she heard Leo mutter those words.
'A-are you serious?' She stuttered.
'Well, whats the point of building the machine if I can't test it out for myself.' Leo mumbled.
'I-I know but, this is reckless Leo! You have such a young, bright mind overflowing with possibilities in the science world. I- it would be stupid to just lose you over something that isn't scientifically proven!'
Leo looked down.
'Listen to yourself, Leo! We need you! You aren't alone in this! W-we will find away to help you, Leo. But Suki isn't coming back, and I think it's time for you to move on....'
Leo bowed his head for several minutes, not saying anything. When he finally looked up, his eyes were glistening with tears, which surprised Miss Aiko.
'I-I'm sorry, Miss Aiko. But I have to do this. I know what I'm doing is stupid, and reckless, but I simply cannot just let the opportunity slide by.' He wiped the tear that was slowly gliding down his cheek. 'Forgive me, Miss. Please. I just have to do this one thing for her. I just can't sit by when I know there's a chance that I can bring her back.'
By that point Leo had lost control of his emotions and the tears were streaming uncontrollably down his cheeks.
'Oh, Leo...' Miss Aiko went over to him and wrapped him in a big bear hug.
'This really is a dumb idea, Leo, but I trust you and your judgement. Please think this through very well.'
She pulled away from him and looked him straight in the eyes.
'And whatever you do, just don't end up dying on everyone!'
Leo nodded and sniffed, glad that his professor understood. He was thankful for all that he did for her and he hoped that she would be alright if she ever found out his Neurometer had killed him.
'Thank you so much, Miss' Leo sniffed.
Miss Aiko nodded, also suddenly overcome with emotions. She too tried to fight the tears that were welling up in her eyes.
'When do you plan on logging yourself in?' She finally asked.
'Probably in a month's time. There are still a few more tweaks I need to make to the Neurometer. Besides, it might not work for the first few attempts.' Leo explained.
'Just don't overdo it Leo, please!' Miss Aiko begged, looking distraught.
Leo smiled at her forlornly.
'I'll have to do my best to bring her back.' He said sadly.
—————————————————————–————————————————————————
The walk back to Leo's dorm room was very silent. The sunset was a bright hue of orange, slowly setting in the horizon. The sky was also painted with shades of pink, purple and royal blue. There was a gentle breeze that ruffled Leo's dark hair. Leo stopped walking for a few moments just to appreciate the serenity of the environment. He gazed at the sun setting beside him and wondered, after next month, whether he'd ever get to see something like that again.
'I'll bring Suki home' He swore. 'Then next time, she and I can watch the sunset together.'
He then quickened his pace, carrying nothing but a determined spirit in his heart.