It was early in the morning and the sun was rising making the whole town look warm and yellow when Clara finally got to the research facility. She frequently came to work early and this she said, preferred doing so because mornings are still calm with little or no activities compared to the middle of the day. Today, however, she was shocked to find Gabriel already there reading a book with so much concentration.
Turning to him, Clara who had been carrying a bag said, "Good morning," "You're up early."
The boy looked up, only the corners of his mouth twitching with something that could be described as a smile. "Hello, Clara, did you know that I couldn't sleep?" I said as I placed the sheets in front of her, "I started doing some research instead."
She got beside him and noticed a book he was reading. It was a worn-out book on myths dating back to prehistoric times. "Anything interesting?"
He silently acknowledged Gabriel's words and that boyish glint could be seen in his eyes; he was enthusiastic. Worshiping all these gods, ancient people often depicted their divinities on objects and it seems that the artifact has some similarities with symbols used in myths: I have tried to search for the meaning of the signs depicted on the artifact in various mythological texts and it turned out that there are many similarities with myths connected with the heavens and the stars, various celestial bodies and cosmic phenomena.
Clara leaned in, fascinated. "That fits our hypothesis on the matter regarding the astronomical knowledge of the civilization we believe that the artifact could be a record of such occurrences."
"Perhaps," Gabriel said, his tone more serious. I believe there is more to it, most importantly, these myths depicted more than facts, they could be its truths, its spirituality, or its philosophy. These symbols might be narrating more than depicting observations; they might be the key to the civilization's perception and reality.
When they proceeded to the discussion, Clara found out that Gabriel knew a lot of information concerning the topic and had the passion for it. He was able to look at things sometimes that nobody else would and was able to pick up things from history, mythology and philology and construct a story from them. In an addition to this, she appreciated his brains and commitment towards his work, not mentioning the fact that she was gradually falling for him.
The rest of his conversation with her was disrupted by the arrival of Leo and Ethan. Leo smiled and nodded, while Ethan entered the office, rubbing his eyes lightly and abrasively saying, "Morning."
"What is that? Late night?" Clara wondered with a smile seeing that Ethan looked rather a bit sleepy.
Ethan nodded, yawning and rubbing his eyes. "Stayed awake all night as my mind was racing. I think the artifact contains material from a period that doesn't seem old enough but of a composition that shouldn't be possible in the given historical epoch."
Leo joined the conversation immediately, "That is quite interesting, Ethan We should dig deeper into it Perhaps, the materials are related to the inscriptions in some way.
And thus they embarked on their duties; Clara especially, felt that re-awakening of a calling in her. Both of them contributed different perspectives and contribution that through built synergy in the team. Still, as the day went on, she began to feel that something was rather brewing beneath the surface.
During dinner that evening, people discussed issues which directly concerned them. Clara sees that Leo and Ethan look at each other, trying to decide if it is a good idea to tell something. Finally, I could not stand it any longer and said something, which must have been what Leo had been waiting for.
"Perhaps it would be a good idea to speak of something," he started, his voice formal. "This project is dear to our heart but let ' s not shy to be truthful to one another. "
Clara felt a knot in her stomach. What was the man trying to convey?
Ethan drove his hands through his mop top, then let out a shaky breath. "Yeah he was right everyone has got his or her own reasons to be here and I thing it's high time we accepted it. "
Naming the man Gabriel, who was otherwise quite dignified, appeared rather stressed. He stayed mute, leaving everybody to speak at their own free will.
Leo's lips twitched into a smile, and he let out a slow breath. "Me and Ethan have been talking about this with Clara, yes, we both have something to prove in this project Now, personally I have a lot at stake here I actually want to continue my grandpa's work The man dedicated his entire life to the study of those ancient civilizations and now I finally see a way to continue that I owe it to him.
A pregnant silence settled between them, then Clara nodded at Leo's willingness to share. "And you, Ethan?"
Ethan frowned and stared at the floor, clearly unsure of what to do. 'It is like proving something to myself and others', I suppose – I recall how, from an early age, one always felt that one has to win, to be superior. ' This is an academic project of finding something, of making a breakthrough.
It took a while before Gabriel could speak; his voice was very soft when he said. "We all have our stakes I guess, mine is with truth, need to know the truths, the hidden thread that weaves everything together, people, animals, life, and things – together in the great fabric of existence. " The artifact in question is more than just a historical relic; it may contain the answers regarding our existence in this world.
For Clara the sight triggered a rush of emotions including empathy, respect, and a feeling of fellowship. Not mere co- workers they were partners on a voyage, who worked together because each of them had something to gain or achieve.
'It was good you and I had this conversation,' Clara commented, her tone rather gentle. "It is important to understand where everyone is coming from We are a team, and we should help one another both on the work front and in other spheres of life. "
It appeared as though the mutual understanding erased the tension in the room to create one for cooperation. But as people carried on with their dinner, the interactive part of the conversation developed with jokes, and interesting stories.
That same evening Clara could not sleep for the night because of many things going round her mind. The revelations of the day had made them allies but they also paved the way for further, perhaps, more profound emotions and tensions. She could not afford to turn a blind eye to the strengthened bond that was gradually building between her and each of them, as well as to the noticeable passion that filled the relationships.
Lying in bed one day, looking at the ceiling Clara understood that this work was not just about becoming an expert in the secrets of some relic. It was also a kind of coming of age, a way of learning how friendships work, how to handle ambition, as well as how the heart functions in terms of the one thing that most confounds us.
For more, the stars outside her window shone brightly at night, and she became aware that the major accomplishments in her life were yet to be achieved.