59.
Heoh navigates the narrow gap between the wall and his desk, then sits in the chair next to Milly. Under dim lights, he speaks. “A particular job has been sitting in my inbox.” Every word hangs with weight. “Unfulfilled, impossible — until we met. I question bringing it to you now, but its timing has become critical. I question if you are ready — no offense intended.”
Milly tilts her head. “None taken.”
Their eyes meet. “You seem to want this life, Milly, and you have exceeded every expectation, but you are free to decline. There is no coercion on my part.”
She nods.
“The job will be difficult in ways”—he looks away—“I can only imagine.” He gulps. “It will take time. If it ever becomes too much for you — step back. Even up until the last minute.”
“What is—”
He raises his palm. “Because with this job, once you take that last step, there’s no turning back. In those crucial moments, you alone bear all the risk.”
Milly’s pupils dilate.
Heoh moves his palm in front of his eyes. “Once ‘the face’ has been made”—he lowers his hand—“even with success, life will never be the same. There will be other jobs if you prefer something less”—he breathes deeply—“complicated.” He reaches out, fingers coming to rest upon hers. “I do not have a daughter, Milly.” His lip trembles. “But if I did, I would tell her, as I tell you now, that there is still time to be a normal person — to go straight — if that is what you want.”
Milly nods. “I know.” She squeezes his fingers.
He lets go. “I’m saying all of this before I mention any possible reward — ample by any measure — because I want you to take risks seriously. Can you tell, by my face, my tone, the gravity of what I am saying?”
Yes.
“Yes.” Milly’s lip quivers. “Thank you, Heoh.”
He nods. “Shall I continue?”
She closes her eyes, taking several slow breaths.
With each, the connection to her gets weaker.
Milly’s face goes blank. “Yes.”
The connection is cut. When her emotions are totally suppressed, there’s nothing to hold. Our link is always in flux but has changed with time, her maturation, dwindling resources on this end, and detachment from her feelings — much like this experience.