...The Trauma...
Aaron got closer to the building, he put his hand on one of the columns.
- What can we find in such ruins?
- We must search this place very well...
Sarra kept looking without saying a word. Aaron noticed her distraction.
- What's wrong Sarra?
- I remembered something from our last trip to this place.
- What is it?
- As soon as we arrived, Tarou counted the number of the columns.
- Really! let's see how many there are.
Dylan started counting the columns at each side of the Parthenon
- I'm not one hundred percent sure because of the collapsed part. But according to my resolution, there are eight columns at either end and seventeen on the sides. There is a double row of columns at either end.
- How many in all?
- There are 46 plus 12 equal 58
- Mmm, what can this number refer to?
- I have no idea, let's check all of them, maybe we can find some symbols or signs.
- Good idea, Sarra. Let's divide into two groups. The columns are very big and high.
- Alright, let's do it. Who will go with me?
Laila was about to choose Sarra, but Dylan pulled her toward him while smiling:
- I will go with you if you don't mind of course.
- No...I...I don't
- Good, it is settled then. Aaron, you will go with Sarra and Annie. we must start the work. If anyone finds something you must tell the others.
The groups started the searching mission. Each group took a side of the Parthenon.
- So Laila, what is your story?
- What story?
- I meant your life story. It seems that we are going to spend a lot of time checking all these columns, so I want to listen to you. To not get bored, of course.
- I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I have no story worth to be told.
- Come on, everyone has a story.
- Fine I will tell you, but don't expect something great.
- I get it, now tell me.
- I'm an orphan. I spent most of my childhood in the orphanage.
- What did happen to your parents?
- They got killed...
- How awful! How old were you?
- I was at the same age as Annie I guess. I still remember everything that happened to them.
- Did You witness the crime?
- Yes, I did.
- Did the police catch the criminals?
- No, they didn't. The criminals ran away and no one knew their motives.
- I'm sorry, it must be such trauma to you. Seeing someone dear to you getting killed in front of your eyes is not something easy to overcome.
Laila smiled to hide her sadness:
- No, it's okay...I overcame it. I grew up well. I finished my studies and I became a biology professor.
Laila felt uncomfortable while talking about her past to Dylan
" I think after hearing this he won't bother me anymore with his questions."
- I'm happy to hear that. Your parents will be proud of you. May I ask what was your father's job?
Laila flinched suddenly, but she kept smiling.
" Why is he still asking me?"
- He was a biology professor as well.
- Oh, so you wanted to be like your father.
- Yes, you can say that.
- I think that's the best way to keep thinking about him. Isn't it?
Laila glared at Dylan for a moment, then she smiled again.
- He is my father after all. what else can I do to keep his memory alive?
- Well, I'm happy that you opened your heart to me. I hope I didn't bring back bad memories.
- This is my first time talking about that incident, well it wasn't as bad as I thought.
Dylan didn't want to push her more than that. Despite smiling, he felt grief in her voice.
- Did you find anything?
- No, what about you?
- I didn't find anything either.
- Let's move on to the other one.
Suddenly Aaron screamed:
- HEY GUYS, COME HERE, I FOUND SOMETHING.