My role had always been the quiet one in the background.

I wondered whether I would ever feel like more than an average disappointment to them.

Richard walked up to the table holding a tray with a single black coffee.

He set the coffee down and stayed standing.

“Dr.

Grant wants a formal meeting at two o’clock,” Richard said.

“Did they find out what’s wrong with my stomach?” I asked.

Richard leaned back and crossed his arms.