The Year I Stopped Being His novel Chapter 126

The atmosphere in Endurance Station's cafeteria grew increasingly lively.

Sloane took a bite of her food, suddenly turning to Coach Jensen. "By the way, Coach, where are you from again?"

Coach Jensen looked up from his chicken leg. "Washington D.C.! Born and raised."

Sloane nodded, as if recalling a memory. "Right, I remember now. You saved a drowning kid in D.C. a while back, didn't you? I heard people talking about it. That was incredibly brave."

Coach Jensen froze for a second before waving it off with a laugh. "Oh, that was ages ago. Not even worth mentioning."

Sloane offered a faint smile, didn't push it, and went back to her meal.

Diego's emotions came and went like the wind. A few bites later, he was back to his chatty self.

"I'm telling you guys, after this trip, I absolutely have to visit the US. I haven't been back in years, and my mom nags me about it constantly. What about you all? What are you going to do once this mission is over?"

Professor Harrison thought for a moment. "Retire."

Manager Hayes nearly choked on her food. "You? Retire? Are you joking, Harrison?"

"I'm serious." Professor Harrison set his fork down, a rare, relaxed look washing over his face. "Thirty years is enough. I want to go home and spend more time with my wife and Tilly. Take them traveling around the world, see different sights."

"Can I tag along?!" Diego immediately raised his hand. "I can be your photographer! Free of charge!"

Professor Harrison glanced at him, his lips twitching into a smile. "Sure. We'll be in touch."

Vivienne shook her head, laughing. "I've known you for twenty years, and this is the first time I've ever heard you talk about retiring."

Harrison looked at her. "That's because I was too scared to tell you. I was worried a workaholic like you would just drag me right back here!"

The table erupted into laughter.

Vivienne laughed along with them, but her eyes grew slightly red. She had been away from home for over thirty years herself, unsure of when she'd ever make it back.

Diego shifted his attention to Josh. "What about you, Josh? I heard you're a junior. You'll be graduating next year, right?"

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