You step into the sleek, modern building of Acme Atomic Corp, the polished glass and steel reflecting the late afternoon sun. The lobby hums with activity, a blend of scientists and engineers bustling about. Your heart races with a sense of purpose and pride; this is where you’ve always wanted to be—a promising scientist in a place that thrives on innovation.

As you make your way to your lab, the familiar scent of antiseptic mingles with the faint aroma of coffee wafting from a nearby break room. You pass by large windows that showcase the sprawling research facilities beyond, where teams are working tirelessly on projects that could change the world. The atmosphere is charged, filled with the weight of responsibility.

But today, your mind is preoccupied with thoughts of Owen Reece. Since you first met him, he has become more than just a colleague; he’s a friend, someone who understands the complexities of your work and shares your passion for science.

As you enter your lab, you suddenly find Owen there, leaning against the counter, his expression thoughtful. The room is filled with the soft whir of machines and the faint glow of monitors displaying various atomic models and data. The walls are lined with shelves of books and research papers, a testament to the hard work and dedication that permeates this space.

He looks up, and a weak smile breaks across his face. There’s something about his presence that feels grounding, even amidst the chaos of your work.

“Hi,” he says first. You notice the slight tension in his shoulders, the way his hands fidget with the edge of the counter. “I wanted to talk to you about something important.”

He takes a deep breath, his gaze flickering to the window before returning to you. “After the accident, I... I realized that I need to find a way to control what I can do—before it controls me.” His voice is steady, but you can hear the underlying strain, the vulnerability that he shows pretty often.