Laboratory - Red
Chapter 36 (Special Chapter/Catrina Beatrice)
ONE MONTH BEFORE CATRINA BEATRICE'S DEATH
Heavy rain poured down the city, soaking everything beneath it. As well as giving me bad memories and strange vibes in me. Every time the rain came, I looked at the window, saw the drops falling from the sky, and enjoyed the cold.
The clinic is full of activities. The barking of the dog, as well as the meowing of the cat, rang out loud as I walked into the hall of the check room. Some people with pets also seemed to greet me as I passed the queue. Some say good morning.
"Mom, this cat has diarrhea" once I tell a woman, maybe in her 30s. Owner of a plain white male cat, which I'm checking out right now.
The woman then stroked her white cat.
"It could be food, ma'am. Try to mention what food you give Momo". As soon as I started with a smile, it made the woman comfortable with this conversation. I briefly saw the name on the cat's necklace, and mentioned it.
The woman mentioned it one by one while remembering it aloud. Then I gave her a special anti-diarrhea medication for cats, as well as some guidelines to avoid diarrhea in pets.
I exhaled, seeing that the queue was already somewhat reduced. My work hours are over, just get ready to go home.
So I took off my coat and put it in the car, and I folded it neatly before. The clinic parking lot is empty, only a few cars are parked neatly. I looked back at the watch, rushed home.
But when the car's engine was on, and it was heating up, someone called. I crammed the parking lot but found no one. It sounds like someone is calling me.
And finally the caller arrived also with a breath of breath. That's Joseph, my co-worker who's 3 years older than me.
"Your bag is missing, Miss Catrina" she handed me my sling bag. Ah yes, just deservedly I feel strange, it turns out this bag is missing.
"Yes, thank you very much, Mr. Joseph. It's a good thing you found it" I laughed lightly at receiving the bag.
That's just our conversation. Soon Joseph looked down and smiled back at me.
The rain has not yet subsided, constantly tirelessly flushing the city. The car I was driving alone split the highway, with a car glass wipers that kept cleaning the water blocking the view. The streets are crowded, despite this heavy rain. Some activities are also seen, such as teenagers in school uniforms sitting at stops looking back and forth waiting for the bus, as well as some office workers seem to cram the scenery waiting for the bus with a bit of anxiety. Maybe afraid that the neat clothes they wear will be wet with rainwater.
***
The car stopped right in front of the courtyard of my modest house and Erina. I parked the car in the garage. The white car was parked right next to me, indicating that Erina had returned home from the lab.
The door creaked as I opened, quiet as if there was no life at all. I looked around looking for my sister. I can't find out where the woman is now.
I called him many times, but there was no answer. And I kept stepping into the kitchen, either it was possible that the sloppy guy was making an experiment or something in the kitchen. Several times I cursed him, holding back emotions, maybe my guess was there was a point.
But I was wrong. Erina fell asleep at the dining table, with a tangled face as well. But at least I breathed a sigh of relief, this woman is okay after work from the laboratory.
He's 24, younger, 2 years from me. He's been working in Bu Neny's lab for years. For some reason from the first start he worked, I was always haunted with anxiety. I've been worried about Erina ever since she was busy with science. It's not that I don't like my sister's immersed in science, 'kok. It's just that I feel like my gut never got the wrong target, or was always right. That'sthat's all.
But how else? Erina's the only one left of my family. And his dream of becoming a scientist that I can not be banned as good as my will. And now he has been rewarded from his work so far in the world of IPA (Natural Science).
"Oi! Erina's. I know you're exhausted, but this isn't a bed. I haven't had dinner yet, heh. There you go in the room" I called out to wake her up.
***
My suspicions about the work now being gandrungi by Erina turned out to be no harm. The strange things began to appear after I was too late to pay attention to my sister, and liked to investigate about the laboratory owned by Bu Neny.
I don't really understand the laboratory, I only understand the structure in the digestion of pets, the antidote to viruses that attack pets, how to deal with diseases in pets, and so on. Because I'm a veterinarian.
At first I was just tracing that big lab. In addition to being a scientist, the owner (Bu Neny), also works as an English teacher in one of the schools. Well, that's okay, of course the job is not a big deal.
But lately I have heard many rumors of the late Edward Marcues, a famous scientist of his time, back into public conversation. And it turns out, I found a lot of things that stuck.
"Yes, but don't think about it". One day, my sister simply ignored my worries, acting indifferent.
"Tell me the truth, my hunch is never wrong"
Anyway, I had to find out for myself. It was too hard to ask Erina. So one day when the veterinary clinic closed, I took the time to go to the large and magnificent laboratory alone.
I stepped out of the car door and observed the lab with great aim. From the outside it looks like an ordinary laboratory, with solid activity in its room. And the smell of chemicals that burst is not too tasty in suction with the nose.
***
"Madam Catrina, you don't have to worry, it's just an opinion anyway, let alone 'we don't know yet that the news has a point or not" Joseph commented in his style as the headmaster, when I told her my concern for Erina and her work.
"You don't have to think too much. Maybe you're just so bad, that's why you feel like something's wrong" she added with a smile.
I picked up some documents again. One of them is the results of USG on pregnant cats that managed to make me interested. The cubs are about eight, so that's why the mother's stomach looks so big, unlike most pregnant cats.
"By the way, tonight is there an event?" As soon as the question was asked, I stopped typing on the computer keyboard and turned to Joseph. I just shook my head, back to the reports and data collection.
"Good then. I just invite you to just have dinner at the restaurant 'Mama Zen', who knows you are interested".
Good offer. Besides, I was just busy researching Bu Neny's lab this week, just busy flipping through the encyclopedia and science books anyway, and I think I also need entertainment to calm my mind. Then I agreed. We agreed tonight to have dinner at the restaurant he called last night.
***
Joseph treated me, the restaurant is also not too crowded, even controlled with a pleasant and peaceful atmosphere.
"I'm sorry?" I scrunched my forehead.
"Call me Joseph. Because of my nickname. We have known and worked in the same clinic for a long time. So calling each other without the title 'master' and 'mistress' will be more flexible and not stiff" .
I just nodded awkwardly. Over time I felt awkward, misbehaved, not knowing what to say.
"This is the beef of choice, it also tastes no less good. Not ordinary beef" Joseph pointed to the food in front of us. Indeed, the aroma thrust into the nostrils, delicious.
"It looks like you've become a subscription here" I replied.
"The call of 'me' and 'you' seems better, Catrina..."
Gosh darn. Now blushing is my cheek. I don't know what I should do. I know it's been a long time since we became clinic mates, one job, helping each other out, too. But it never crossed my mind to have to call him directly with 'Joseph' without the 'Master' in front of his name.
"Ah, yes. I've subscribed here. Sometimes I have dinner with my cousin's sister" she continued, looking relaxed.
Just that extent. I focus on the dishes, eating the fancy foods that I have never tried. Honestly speaking, Erina and I were more interested in simple food, let alone home cooking.
"By the way about your sister..." Joseph stopped bribing, then wiped his mouth with a piece of tissue. He looked at me which at once made me stop bribing as well.
"Bu Neny's laboratory has long been developing rapidly. His employees are also many. Moreover, the results of the test, almost always succeed. I've occasionally heard the news, that his lab was a huge success".
I gasped, continuing to bribe.
"And a surprising fact. Your sister worked there. Ah, Catrina why don't you ever share a story with me?"
I kept quiet again, not knowing what to answer. Maybe just grin, then focus back on that really, really good beef. Joseph was right, not the usual beef as usual.
"Why do I always feel that work is not okay. I feel like there's something behind it"
"Ah, take it easy, Catrina. Before work, they had a complete APD. There is even a separate room to test out a rather dangerous material. Moreover, you know for yourself, there can't be cigarette butts in the lab". Joseph replied, acting to calm me down. Though I knew for myself, my anxious feelings would not go away even though I denied myself that good things would accompany Erina. I even asked Erina everything. But still, this is true. This taste feels very real. I felt my heart beating so fast, my mind raging unsettled, and my heart told me that something bad was going to happen.
Protect my brother, save wherever he is, and in any danger. I can't do anything but pray.
