After hanging up on Nash, the dial tone still humming in her ear, Danielle felt her palms grow damp with sweat. She knew this was a risky move, but there was no room for hesitation. Alexander’s health, the extreme Antarctic environment—every thought was a hammer blow to her heart, making it impossible for her to stand by and do nothing.
She had seen Nash’s hesitation, but she was certain that the assistant who had been with Alexander for so many years would ultimately understand her intentions and prioritize his boss’s safety. Sure enough, half an hour later, a text from Nash arrived: “Miss Crawford, all arrangements have been made. Your spot on the research team and your clearance for Antarctica have been filed.” Danielle let out a breath of relief and walked into her bedroom to start packing.
Opening a large suitcase from the back of her closet, she first packed several thick, heavy-duty down jackets, all professional-grade wind and waterproof models with velcro cuffs and collars to seal out the cold. Halfway through, something occurred to her. She went to a drawer in her study and took out a small pill organizer. Inside were common remedies for coughs, colds, and frostbite, as well as several doses of a sedative to help with sleep—she remembered Alexander often suffered from insomnia due to stress, and these might offer him some relief. Finally, she tucked in a small bottle of vitamin tablets and a few packets of protein bars. By the time she finished, the sky outside was darkening to dusk.
Danielle sat on the sofa and called her mother, Vivian Linden. “Hey, Mom. Is this a bad time? I need to tell you something.” “Dani, dear, not at all. I was just about to start dinner,” Vivian’s voice was warm. “I have to go away on a long trip for work. I’m going to Antarctica for a project test, and I’ll probably be gone for about two weeks,” Danielle said, slowing her pace. “Niki is still so young, and I can’t bear to leave her alone. I was hoping you could move into my place for a few days to look after her. Her tutor, Calvin, will come by for his regular sessions, so you don’t have to worry too much about her studies. Just make sure she doesn’t wander off and stays safe.”
There was a brief silence on the other end of the line. “Antarctica? So far away, and so cold! It’s dangerous. Can’t you get out of it?” “Mom, it’s a critical part of my job. I have to go,” Danielle said. “Don’t worry, I’m fully prepared. The research team has a professional support crew, so everything will be fine. I’m counting on you for Niki. She listens to you more than anyone.” Vivian sighed, finally giving in to her daughter’s determination. “Alright, I’ll move in tomorrow morning. You have to take care of yourself over there. Dress warmly, don’t catch a cold. And call me the second anything happens, you hear me?” “I know, I will. Thanks, Mom,” Danielle said with a smile, her eyes welling up slightly as she hung up.
Just then, she heard a soft click from the front door, and Niki bounced in, her backpack slung over her shoulder. Seeing the open suitcase in the living room, she trotted over curiously, tilting her head. “Mommy, are you going on a trip?” Danielle knelt, taking Niki’s backpack and setting it aside before ruffling her soft hair. “Yes, sweetie. Mommy has to go to a very faraway place for work. I’ll be gone for about two weeks. Grandma is going to come stay with you for a few days. You have to be a good girl and listen to her, and study hard with Mr. Calvin, okay? No mischief.”
A look of disappointment instantly crossed Niki’s face and her little lip jutted out, but she quickly straightened her small frame and nodded obediently. “Don’t worry, Mommy, I’ll be good! But where are you going? Is it far? Is it cold?”

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