Aithne Research Academy, Central Dome, New Astarte, Planet Yuma, Coronado
10 Aug. 824 A.S.
An old proverb once said "Eyes that do not cry, do not see..." It is indeed a human being's struggles that forge him or her with the ability to see life more clearly, to think more deeply. Loss, pain, rebirth... a cycle through which all of today's Crayterians went through, each in their own way. Erik's silvery-blue eyes met those copper irises of Doreen's with enough restraint. It was mostly his curious mind, his love for discovery, which convinced him. So he gazed back into the same dark dots that were trying to pierce his sight and search beyond it.
He didn't know what he was looking at, nor why... but one thing he knew now: the person in front of him was just like him - someone who didn't let life's struggles put her down. This short moment of clarity felt much longer than it really lasted, and its abrupt end left Erik slightly perplexed. "Thank you." he heard.
"Uhm..." - he put his glasses back on and managed half a smile - "You're welcome."
A few minutes later, the cafeteria door was being opened by Clark and Samantha.
