Chapter 45
Chapter 45
“I’m not sure yet,” Geneva said. “I still need to gather more data.”
Then she looked up at the line of people waiting. “Alright, who’s next?”
She stayed busy all afternoon.
As more and more people were tested, the credibility of her device only grew in the eyes of the crowd.
Some even offered to buy it from her–after all, with a tool that could reveal a child’s natural talents, parents could finally stop blindly guessing how to nurture them.
But Geneva turned every offer down. She had only made one prototype, and selling it was out of the question.
Devin and Bobby had been standing off to the side the entire time, quietly observing. When Geneva finally began packing up, Devin stepped forward.
“Ms. Motley, would you mind if I asked you a few questions?” he said, polite and measured. “If you have time, of course.”
Geneva glanced at the time, then gave a small nod.
She was running low on funds, and Devin–well–dressed, articulate, and claiming to be an artist–seemed genuinely interested. If she could persuade him to sponsor her project, the brain development device might be ready for market much sooner.
“Shall we talk at the café across the street?” she suggested.
At the café, Devin wasted no time. “Ms. Motley, the brain development device you mentioned earlier–how far along is it?”
Geneva answered honestly. “Data collection is nearly complete. Now it’s just a matter of securing materials.”
Devin’s eyes lit up. He had always thought his grandson was gifted, but according to Geneva’s device, Bobby’s brain was only thirty percent developed. What if they could push it further? Could he become even more brilliant?
But then a concern crossed his mind.
“Could over–developing the brain lead to side effects?” he asked. “People say genius often comes at a cost.”
Geneva gave a calm, confident smile. “The human brain is extraordinary. It has a natural safeguard system–whether through manual training or machines, we can only increase its activity by about thirty percent over its current level. Total development rarely exceeds seventy percent, so what you’re worried about isn’t really a risk.”
Unless, of course, someone like her possessed extraordinary mental strength to withstand forced development–but that was another story.
Devin leaned in, intrigued. “So, when do you think your device will be ready for market?”
Geneva hesitated. “It might take a while.”
“Is there something holding you back?”
“Does being broke count?”
Devin chuckled, but the truth of her words struck a chord. He had already been considering investing.
If Geneva succeeded, this invention could mark a major leap in human advancement–and he’d be the one who saw her potential first.
If she failed? Well, a hundred thousand dollars wasn’t much of a loss to him.
“Ms. Motley, how about this–you give me a list of materials, and I’ll help you source them.”
1/3
Chapter 45
“You mean… you’re willing to invest?”
“Yes,” Devin said, without hesitation. “This is something that could benefit all of humanity, I’d be honored to be a part of it.”
Geneva didn’t refuse. “Alright. 1 promise–you won’t regret this.”
Her face was unremarkable, yet at that moment, her confidence radiated like a glow. It was compelling.
She scribbled down the list. Devin couldn’t make heads or tails of it, but Bobby studied it carefully and gave his grandfather a reassuring nod. That was all the confirmation Devin needed. He tucked the list away. “Don’t worry, Ms. Motley. Once I’ve got everything, I’ll have it delivered to your home.”
“Thank you,” Geneva said, standing up and giving him a respectful bow. “I’ll be going then.”
“Wait.” Bobby adjusted his glasses and looked at her hopefully.
“Can I help you?” His cheeks turned pink. “I’d like to learn from you. Please? I promise I won’t tell anyone.”
Geneva didn’t answer right away.
She glanced at Devin, who–as expected–wasn’t comfortable letting his grandson follow a stranger. He gently pulled Bobby back.
The boy looked disappointed but didn’t argue. He just stood there, watching her leave.
Devin moved quickly. Within days, the materials were delivered to Geneva’s doorstep.
The device wasn’t too technically complex, so she was able to work on it from home.
From then on, she threw herself into the research completely.
One afternoon, just before the last class of the day, Melanie went to the restroom–and was cornered again.
A few girls locked her in, dumped cold water over the stall, and hurled the filthiest insults they could think of.
Soaked to the skin, she returned to the classroom only to find her desk a mess, sprayed with paint and words like “whore” and “retard.”
She had never wronged these girls.
They hated her for one simple reason–she was beautiful but not very bright. Even though she’d hidden behind thick bangs, they
This wasn’t the first time. And recently, the bullying had only gotten worse.
still targeted her.
She never told her mom. The girls had warned her–speak up, and they’d make sure she got kicked out of school. Her mom was already exhausted every day. Melanie didn’t want to add to her burden.
She told herself, ‘Just hang in there. Two more years. If can graduate, everything will be okay…
When she got home, dinner was already on the table, but her mom was still tinkering with her materials in the bedroom. Seeing her daughter return, Geneva came out to eat with her.
After dinner, Geneva pulled out the helmet she had built.
” she said gently, “from now on, when you’re home, I want you to wear this, ok
Melanie nodded, eyes full of trust and attachment. Geneva stroked her hair.
After just three days of wearing the helmet, Geneva noticed a change.
Melanie had started to think differently—she could finally apply what she’d learned, not just memorize it. Her mind still worked slowly, but at least it was working.
213
Butcher Sure or Trays the way the r
ht
AD
Comment
