199 Success and Promises

With only Maya in the lab, Calantha stayed to watch her, skipping breakfast. When the other researchers arrived at their usual time, they were surprised to see Maya already working, as she was typically the last to arrive and the first to leave. "You're early today, Maya," one researcher greeted her. Maya ignored them, focusing on her test tubes. Calantha found Maya's behavior amusing. Usually nonchalant, she was now the most diligent. If Calantha had known, she would've given her just one day instead of three. The morning passed quickly. At lunch, the researchers invited Maya to join them, but she declined. Calantha, feeling hungry, wanted to leave but didn't dare, as Maya stayed. "You don't need to watch me," Maya said. "Today is the last day. I won't sabotage the work. If I wanted to, I wouldn't have come so early." Calantha asked, "Aren't you hungry? You haven't eaten anything." "No, I'm waiting for the reaction to finish," Maya replied. If Maya wasn't eating, Calantha wo