"Quantum entanglement is the only answer to teleportation at the moment." Amdo instructed his class. "Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle makes sure of that. If you can't measure the quantum state of atoms without changing that state, there is no way of replicating the original state. Because you can never really know the original state of that atom as you changed it by the simple act of measuring it." He explained. "So you need to introduce a carrier atom that uses quantum entanglement to transmit the quantum state of the atome from one atom to another. Then you can copy it."
Only one person applauded in the lecture hall. It was the last person Amdo had expected to see. "Malad?!" he exclaimed. "I can't believe it's really you! Don't go anywhere, I will talk to you after the lesson, ok?" he said, responsibly continuing his lesson but kweping Malad in the corner of his eye.
"Thank you for the applause." Amdo said, walking towards her after his lesson was finally over. "So, to what do I owe the immense pleasure?" He asked.
"The quantum entanglement you were talking about?" she replied, "It has already been proved, as in experimentally shown to be successful."
"I know." Amdo replied. "I have internet too, you know." He teased.
"Obviously." Malad replied in a bored tone. "But do you know what I have in my bag?" She patted the bag just as Amdo had five years ago. "Five years ago," she said, "you brought me a sample of bacteria that chanhed my life. Today, I bring a different sample of bacteria that will change yours."
"You don't mean...?" Amdo gasped.
"I do mean a sample of the 2018 experiment. Or a replication of it by a different scientist who I happened to become friends with during my excursions." Malad replied.
Amdo grabbed Malad's hand. "Wait, does this mean you forgave me?"
"No," Malad replied, "it means science is above our little feud."
Amdo nodded in agreement. But there was a sorrow in his downcast eyes that made him look at least 10 years older than he was. "So this is how it's going to be, huh?" he sighed, "You going out, exploring the world, bringing theories to life while I do this confined job to feel connected to you."
"Is that the only reason you are doing this job?" Malad asked.
"Not really, no." Amdo replied. "After my passion for scenery diminished, my love of physics resurfaced. University professor was just a medium to channel that love."
"I was going to say," Malad went on coolly, "it would be a pathetic reason to be stuck in a profession, that requires actual passion, for just a girl."
"Well," she added, "see you around." When she turned around, a smile of admiration crept across her lips.
"Wait, why leave so soon?" he asked with a hint of desperation in his tone. "I haven't seen you in years. If you are not going to talk to me, then at least talk to your family before you leave."
"Oh, so now you have become the spokesperson of my family?" she asked sarcastically. "I don't need your invitation to talk to them. I will do it whenever I feel ready."
"When will you feel ready?" Amdo asked, the desperation becoming more and more apparent. "It has been five years. FIVE YEARS. Even governments change in five years!"
"Just as soon as my heart stops feeling like it is ripping apart every night." Malad said, tears pricking her eyes.
"I am so sorry." Amdo said, "I am sorry. I don't know what else I can do."
"I don't know either." Malad said and turned around to leave. This time, teardrops fell from her eyes, erasing any hint of a smile still left on her lips. This time, Amdo didn't call her back either.