In the afternoon, the results of the IQ test were delivered.
The results surprised the neuropsychologist, Sara, who wanted Alex to return so she could study the development of his brain.
Alex agreed. As a budding scientist himself, he was also curious about the development of his mind.
After setting a return date, Sara revealed the test result: an impressive IQ of 210.
When Alex heard that, he was a little surprised.
His mother, Melinda, was overjoyed. She took the results with trembling hands and said she would frame them to brag to her friends.
Alex felt a bit embarrassed and asked Melinda not to do that, which she simply ignored.
On the way back, Melinda stopped by a bookstore, and Alex bought a medical book.
Since his father fell ill, Alex had been using deduction to try and find a way to cure him, but the results weren't what he was looking for.
Even with extended deduction time, it had its limits — he couldn't deduce anything from nothing.
It was like trying to build a rocket without ever having studied, which is why he needed books on medicine, chemistry, pharmacology, botany, and plant biology.
After returning home, he went to the garage to study. He bought some whiteboards to write out equations and chemical formulas.
On the right side, he set up a bench for studying chemistry. He bought various glass utensils for his lab and protective gear like goggles, gloves, and a mask.
Recently, he had been using his super sense of smell to create perfumes to sell. He even thought of a brand name — but that was a project for the future.
On the left side, he set up another workbench for electronics. He also bought materials to build circuit boards and repair appliances.
Once the lights were on, Alex sat at the electronics bench and started reading the book he had brought.
The day passed peacefully.
...
The next morning, Alex went to the school with Melinda to complete his transfer.
He got out of the car and waited for his mom to park. At that moment, he heard a voice in his ear.
"Good morning, Alex."
Turning around, he saw two people walking hand in hand — a mature woman he didn't recognize and a small figure: Mia Thermopolis.
"Good morning," Alex nodded to them.
"So, you're the Alex my little Mia has been talking so much about," the woman, Helen, said with interest.
Realizing she was speaking to him, Alex politely replied, "Sorry, ma'am. I didn't know that. Mia and I are just friends."
Helen laughed. "That's all right. I'm just happy my little Mia could make a friend at school."
Alex felt embarrassed. He had already told Mia that he was moving on to high school and wouldn't be able to talk with her during break time.
"Ma'am, I should be the one thanking you. I really enjoyed Mia's company during lunch, but I'm afraid I won't be able to do that anymore."
"What do you mean?" Mia asked suddenly. The smile on her face disappeared.
"Sorry. I didn't tell you last time... I'm going to high school."
As he spoke, his voice grew less confident. He realized he had forgotten to tell her. He'd been so busy, it slipped his mind.
"Sorry... I forgot... Why are you crying?"
"It's nothing... I'm just happy for you..."
After saying that, little Mia ran into the school without waiting for her mother.
Alex stood there, embarrassed, glancing at Helen, unsure of what to do.
Seeing this, Helen spoke up.
"It's all right. You really are a bright boy, just like Mia said."
"You don't need to worry. She'll be okay. You can come over to our house sometime to play with her."
"I will!" Alex replied quickly.
"Then I'll be going now."
"Have a good day, ma'am."
Alex said goodbye, and Helen turned to follow Mia. He remained standing there, waiting for his mom.
He knew he had messed up this time.
Maybe he could make a custom perfume for Mia as an apology?
Remembering the tears in her eyes, he felt deeply uncomfortable.