Once Ying’s project went into full swing, he spent countless hours on it, drawing plots for mechanical parts used in his experiment, and using a special laboratory to calibrate his measurements. I went back and forth to the mechanic shop to ask Aleck for Ying’s parts. While he focused on work, our personal interactions were reduced to a minimum.
With time on my hands, I often visited the library, and focused my energy on improving my English reading skills. Also, I lingered over teatime with Dora and others.
Dora never seemed to run out of things to say.
“In a few years time,” she said, “I will retire. My husband and I plan to travel around the world.”
“Fantastic. Do you get tired or bored with your work?”
“No, not at all. Well, sometimes I …show more content…
“As a mother myself, I still can’t imagine how you could do that,” she said one day as we enjoyed our tea at around a corner table – our usual spot.
The natural maternal instinct connected us.
“It was a difficult decision. I miss them very much. But it isn’t the worst situation for a mother.”
“How so?”
“I had left my infants to my parents. The place where I lived was too harsh and my babies often got sick. Living with me, their lives several times hung by a thread. My parents offered their help to avoid catastrophic consequences. That way they have survived.”
“Unbelievable! I can't imagine how hard your life must have been.” She stopped drinking her tea, stared right into my moist eyes and said, “Please tell me more.”
It was painful to recall those horrible days and hard choices I had to make. After a pause, I continued. “Now life is better in China. Despite the physical absence of Ying and I, my children are doing well. To me, only their well-being matters.”
“I see. You care about their interests.”
“Mostly.” I also wanted to advance myself to benefit their future, but I didn't voice this dream to Dora.
The more we came to know each other, the more interested she showed in …show more content…
At the same school.”
“That’s impressive. You must have had a good education. What was your specialty?”
“Originally, my specialty was material physics. But during a decade of unsettlement in China, I couldn’t do any work in this field, so I switched to theoretical physics.”
“Theoretical physics? How interesting. Tell me what courses you had? How did you feel about them?” She asked.
I didn't expect she would be interested in what I had studied. For some reason, she wanted to know more.
As if counting my assets, I listed all the relevant classes. She listened attentively.
A few days later at an afternoon tea break, with teacups in hand, Dora and I walked to our usual spot.
“I learned that Professor Cook is looking for a new graduate student,” she said as soon as we sat.
“Ah, yes.” Mindlessly watching the steam rise out of my cup, I didn’t give her remark much thought.
Dora raised her eyebrows, but kept quiet.
Why is she telling me that? Why is she looking at me like that? A tiny thought began to form in my head, tickling my subconscious.
“Is this the usual time before holiday season when professors get new
With time on my hands, I often visited the library, and focused my energy on improving my English reading skills. Also, I lingered over teatime with Dora and others.
Dora never seemed to run out of things to say.
“In a few years time,” she said, “I will retire. My husband and I plan to travel around the world.”
“Fantastic. Do you get tired or bored with your work?”
“No, not at all. Well, sometimes I …show more content…
“As a mother myself, I still can’t imagine how you could do that,” she said one day as we enjoyed our tea at around a corner table – our usual spot.
The natural maternal instinct connected us.
“It was a difficult decision. I miss them very much. But it isn’t the worst situation for a mother.”
“How so?”
“I had left my infants to my parents. The place where I lived was too harsh and my babies often got sick. Living with me, their lives several times hung by a thread. My parents offered their help to avoid catastrophic consequences. That way they have survived.”
“Unbelievable! I can't imagine how hard your life must have been.” She stopped drinking her tea, stared right into my moist eyes and said, “Please tell me more.”
It was painful to recall those horrible days and hard choices I had to make. After a pause, I continued. “Now life is better in China. Despite the physical absence of Ying and I, my children are doing well. To me, only their well-being matters.”
“I see. You care about their interests.”
“Mostly.” I also wanted to advance myself to benefit their future, but I didn't voice this dream to Dora.
The more we came to know each other, the more interested she showed in …show more content…
At the same school.”
“That’s impressive. You must have had a good education. What was your specialty?”
“Originally, my specialty was material physics. But during a decade of unsettlement in China, I couldn’t do any work in this field, so I switched to theoretical physics.”
“Theoretical physics? How interesting. Tell me what courses you had? How did you feel about them?” She asked.
I didn't expect she would be interested in what I had studied. For some reason, she wanted to know more.
As if counting my assets, I listed all the relevant classes. She listened attentively.
A few days later at an afternoon tea break, with teacups in hand, Dora and I walked to our usual spot.
“I learned that Professor Cook is looking for a new graduate student,” she said as soon as we sat.
“Ah, yes.” Mindlessly watching the steam rise out of my cup, I didn’t give her remark much thought.
Dora raised her eyebrows, but kept quiet.
Why is she telling me that? Why is she looking at me like that? A tiny thought began to form in my head, tickling my subconscious.
“Is this the usual time before holiday season when professors get new