Mystery 112

"I must disappear... for the safety of many and for her sake,"

The cold air of the laboratory enveloped Robert, piercing his skin to the bone. The sharp smell of antiseptic and the lingering aroma of stale overnight coffee still hung faintly in the air, like shadows that refused to leave. His black boots echoed softly in the silent corridor, each step seeming to tap into the fear hidden beneath his composure. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his erratic heartbeat. Behind his calm face, his mind churned, filled with a mixture of fear and determination.

"I must disappear... for the safety of many and for her sake," he muttered, his voice barely audible. He paused in front of the iron door of his laboratory, his hand reaching for the access card, his fingers trembling slightly. The soft click sounded so loud in his ears, followed by the mechanical hiss of the automatic door opening.

The room was brightly lit, illuminated by the stark white light of fluorescent lamps. The distinctive scent of chemical solutions filled the air, an aroma that usually comforted him, but now felt suffocating. Test tubes lined up neatly on the shelves, like troops ready for battle, ready to play their part in the complex experiment he was conducting. A large monitor screen glowed blue, displaying intricate graphs and data, a representation of his work that was so close to completion. But instead of feeling joy, he felt a heavy burden gripping his heart.

He put down his backpack, then clapped his hands twice, a habit that usually marked the beginning of an experiment. But this time, it felt more like a ritual, an attempt to gather his dwindling courage.

"Alright," he muttered again, his voice still hoarse. "Today, I have to finish this formula. The world may depend on me, but more importantly, Misel depends on me." His thoughts drifted to Misel, his lover, who had always supported him, who had always been by his side, even though he was often too immersed in his work.

His eyes fell on his phone on the table, the wallpaper displaying a photo of Misel, her bright smile seeming to illuminate the cold and silent room. Her hair was slightly ruffled by the wind, an image of freedom that now felt so far out of his reach. He smiled, a forced smile, trying to hide the fear and doubt gnawing at his heart. He pressed the call button.

In an office located in a Jakarta skyscraper, Misel sat at her secretary's desk, surrounded by stacks of civil case documents. Her ivory white blazer contrasted with the serious and formal atmosphere of the office. The smell of coffee from the cup beside her slightly reduced the drowsiness that was beginning to creep in. Her fingers moved nimbly across the keyboard, typing word after word with amazing speed. She checked an email from her father's client, Mr. Mark Albertus, a highly respected senior lawyer, his reputation as high as the Jakarta sky.

Her phone rang, displaying the name "Sweetheart" on the screen. A smile spread across her face, the sudden worry she had felt earlier vanished instantly.

"Morning, sweetheart. Already at the lab, huh? How's it going, have you saved the world yet?" Misel greeted with a cheerful voice, trying to cover up the anxiety that was beginning to emerge.

On the other end, Robert's voice sounded heavy, although he tried to sound gentle. "Not yet, but I'm getting closer. Today should be an important day. I might not be able to talk much, Sweetheart..."

Misel sighed softly. "You always say that every time you're about to find something 'important'. I'm starting to suspect you're a secret agent or a mad scientist," she muttered, although a slight smile was etched on her lips. She knew Robert, with his extraordinary persistence and intelligence, was often too immersed in his work.

Robert chuckled, but it quickly disappeared. "I'm serious, Sweetheart. If it works, this could save millions of lives. But the risk... is very big." His voice sounded heavier, the burden he carried feeling more and more suffocating.

Misel sensed something different in Robert's tone. "If you need anything... I'm here. Dad's office is busy, but I can run away for you anytime." Although her voice sounded calm, there was a slight tremor that she couldn't hide.

Robert closed his eyes for a moment, as if holding back a heavy burden that he couldn't bear alone. "I know. And that's what makes me strong." The sentence felt weak, unable to cover up the fear within him.

There was a moment of silence. Misel asked with an anxious tone, "Sweetheart? Are you still there?"

"Yes... sorry. I have to start now. I'll call you again later. Take care of yourself, okay." The line went dead. Misel stared at her dark phone screen, worry replacing her joy. Something was very wrong. A bad feeling began to overcome her.

Robert had just prepared a test solution in a test tube when the laboratory door opened slowly. A man in a long coat, Professor Carlos, a senior in the laboratory, entered the room. His face was full of wrinkles, but his gaze was sharp and cold as ice, unlike his usual friendly and smiling demeanor.

"Robert," he said softly, but firmly, his voice carrying a serious nuance that made Robert shudder.

Robert turned quickly, his heart pounding. "Prof? What brings you to my room so early?" There was a slightly nervous tone in his voice, which had always been calm.

Professor Carlos carefully closed the door, then approached. His voice dropped to a whisper, "We don't have much time. I have to tell you something, and it's about your life." The sentence echoed in Robert's ears, like a death sentence.

Robert frowned, "Wait... what do you mean?" The question came out unconsciously, accompanied by a fear that was beginning to take over him.

Professor Carlos sighed, looking around to make sure there were no active CCTVs, then leaned against the table. "The formula you're developing... you're not the only one paying attention to it. There's a group—the mafia. They're backed by the Director of this Laboratory. I know because they approached me once. And they know you're close to perfecting that formula."

Robert stammered, "A group... the mafia? But... it's just a molecular formula for healing abnormal cells! What can they do with it?"

"Extort, Robert. The government. The world. They can sell it as an exclusive drug, or even create a new dependency," Carlos' voice hardened, "You have to go. Hide for now." The sentence was accompanied by a serious look, full of warning.

Robert stepped back, his face pale. "Go where?" The question came out in a trembling voice, fear had taken over his entire being.

Professor Carlos took a small box from his coat pocket. Inside was a new phone, still sealed. "My small laboratory outside the city. I'll take you there right now. But before that... change your phone number. Save only my phone number and one more... your girlfriend, Misel. Don't endanger her life by getting her involved."

Robert took a deep breath. Misel's face flashed in his mind. "I have to tell her. Just a little. So she doesn't panic." The decision was made with difficulty, he had to protect Misel from the danger that lurked.

Professor Carlos nodded. "Okay. But one message. Never mention the location of your hiding place to anyone, and make sure she doesn't leak your new number either." The warning felt heavy, Robert had to be very careful.

Robert stared at his phone screen, which was still on. He contacted Misel, explaining this very dangerous situation. Their phone conversation was filled with tension, love, and despair. Robert explained about the mafia threat, and how important it was for Misel to keep her new phone number a secret. Misel, although scared, showed her unwavering strength and support.

Robert hung up. He pulled out his SIM card, looked at it for a moment, then dropped it into the acid solution in the laboratory - the SIM card slowly dissolved, like his hopes for the normal life he once had.

He installed a new SIM card, his phone turned on. He saved two numbers: Prof. Carlos and Misel. Misel's number was saved under a pseudonym, "My Star." The name became a symbol of hope and love that would always guide him through these difficult times.

Robert took a deep breath. The outside world felt foreign and dangerous.

"Okay, Professor," he said finally. "I'm ready. But I want to stop by my house first, then to Capital North Street. There's something I have to return to my private safe there." He had to make sure all traces of him were erased, to protect himself and his loved ones.

"Alright," said Professor Carlos.

They left the laboratory, their steps hurried, shadows of fear and mystery following them. Robert's new life had begun, full of uncertainty and danger lurking behind every corner. But he had determination, and he had Misel, his Star, who would always guide him through this darkness.