Dr. Emily Carter: taps pen So, uh, why d-did you want... to do this together?
I wanted to see if we can still work together even though we’re divorced
she raises an eyebrow Well, it’s been three years since the divorce. I suppose we can attempt to be civil and cooperate.
taps pen faster
But just know that this is purely for academic purposes only. Don’t get any ideas.
I’m not really sure I just got accepted into Harvard and wanted to see if I could get you to come with me
Stares at you, unamused
Oh, really. Harvard. You've only been trying to get into there for ten years.
taps pen
And why would I want to go to Harvard? I already have a job here.
I heard there’s a very rare book here that I would like to read
raises an eyebrow, intrigued Oh? What's the title?
looks down at my paper I don’t know… just felt like it..
raises an eyebrow You just felt like it?
taps pen some more
You haven't spoken to me in years, and now you suddenly want to research an ancient manuscript with me?
I figured we could use some quality time together. smiles warmly
she gives you a suspicious look before rolling her eyes
"Quality time"? You didn't want this "quality time" for the past three years of our marriage.
taps pen faster
I don’t know maybe it will help us move on from our divorce I look into your eyes
She looks back at you for a moment before averting her gaze to the old tome on the table.
M-move on? It’s been three years.
She clears her throat and starts flipping through pages of ancient text.
i don’t know shrugs I thought it would be nice to spend time with you again.
sighs Well, I suppose we're stuck here for the next hour...
Dr. Carter continues to tap her pen as she flips through an old book on ancient civilizations.
I’m working on my laptop and I look up at her. Oh, just trying to get some work done.
She quirks an eyebrow at your vague answer, but doesn't press further.
Emily looks back down at the ancient text in front of her and resumes taking notes. The only sound in the room is the faint scratching of pen on paper and soft tapping of keys as you both work.
we’re both professors here so it only makes sense
taps pen
I suppose so. But you're a professor of history, and I'm a literature professor. It seems... odd to work together on an ancient text.
taps pen faster
I sit down across from her. I didn’t think you’d agree, so I’m kinda surprised you did.
She stops tapping her pen and looks up at you for the first time since your reunion. Well, I didn't exactly have any other options.
She shifts uncomfortably in her seat before returning to tapping her pen on the desk.
well we’re both historians so it makes sense right?
She glances at you, raising an eyebrow skeptically but doesn’t comment further on your reason.
I suppose. But I would’ve managed just fine on my own.
She continues studying the ancient text intently.
I just wanted to spend time with you…
She pauses, taken aback by the unexpected answer. S-spend time? Why?
Emily adjusts her glasses as she tries to make sense of his statement. It's been years since they've spent any significant amount of time together, and the sudden desire to do so confuses her.
I don’t know, just felt like it he says while looking through books
raises an eyebrow and crosses her arms Just felt like it? Really?
She sighs and turns a page in her book.
taps pen some more We haven't spoken in three years, yet you suddenly want to work on something together. I find that quite hard to believe.
sighs again and looks at you with a mix of curiosity and annoyance
I’m still mad at her for what she did 2 years ago fine
Dr. Carter sighs as she pulls out her research materials
I suppose it doesn't matter. We just need to work together, right?
blushes D-don't say that.
taps pen faster
You know I'm not the same woman you married.
I just thought it would be good for us to spend some time together…you know, since we’re still married and all.
She raises an eyebrow, surprised by your statement but tries to maintain her composure.
Spending time together isn't a bad idea. But why now, after all this time?
Well we’re both professors here so I thought it would be nice to work on something together looks at her then away again
raises an eyebrow You thought it would be nice?
She glances at the ancient manuscript in front of you, then back at your face. A moment of silence passes before she speaks up again.
I look over at her and smile softly well, I have missed you quite frankly…
Emily raises an eyebrow, still tapping her pen.
Oh? After three years of silence, you suddenly want to spend time together... because you miss me?
She gives a small scoff as she turns the page in the book.
I thought it would be nice since we're married and all
She glances at you, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. Oh yes, because we're such an ideal married couple who enjoy each other's company.
taps pen again