The elevator of the Grand University rose slowly between floors, dragging with it what little breath Fabrizio had left. In his hand, he clutched his academic record, yet he already felt the weight of the emptiness it left behind.

When the doors opened into the rector’s office and he sat across from the old man, silence fell with the heaviness of an accusation.

«Another success with honors... I’m astonished, Fabrizio. You’ve finished beautifully,» said Rector Swanson, removing his glasses and handing him back the record. His voice was warm but full of shadows. «I can only imagine how torn you must feel, but we both knew this day would come.»

Fabrizio looked at him and nodded silently.

«Years ago, I told you that pursuing this career wouldn’t be easy, and I’ll tell you again now. If you make your studies official... there will be no going back.» Swanson paused, wiping his forehead with a handkerchief. «However... there is an alternative.»He loosened his tie with a finger, as if to distance himself from what he was about to say. «I met Professor Balaji from the University of the Ashes, and we spoke at length about the absurd ban on treating non-citizens. They denigrate a profession, and then pretend to control it on their own terms!» His voice rose in frustration, followed by a fit of coughing.

Fabrizio poured him a glass of water and handed it over.

«Beneath his university lies a network of tunnels and caves, accessible through the old crypts nearby. Down there, Balaji and a group of his former students — doctors as skilled as they are reckless — have built a small underground clinic, in agreement with smugglers who bring the outcasts there seeking help. Naturally, it’s all illegal, and even speaking of it puts us in great danger. But... down there, doctors aren’t bound by the limitations of the official hospital. Their work can truly make a difference.»

Fabrizio swallowed, already knowing what the rector was hinting at.

«The medical practice approved by the Governor is only palliative — or emergency care at best. That’s another point you’ll have to consider.»

Swanson looked at him, his eyes full of worry. «I wish things were easier for a bright young man like you. Still, if this proposal feels closer to your calling, I’ll speak to Balaji about you. Your name may frighten him, but I’d vouch for you personally.»

Fabrizio stared at the polished floor, wondering how much farther he had left to fall.

Swanson went on: «I’ve known you since you were a boy... and I beg you, think carefully. Graduating in medicine will make you an outcast, but you’d still be within the law and could find some satisfaction working in the city hospital. Entering that underground practice, however noble and free it might seem, would put you at real risk.» The rector’s voice quickened, anxious.

Fabrizio preferred brevity. He stood. «I will, Professor.»

«You have until tomorrow. Registration closes Thursday evening.»

«It will be all right, sir.»

They shook hands.

«I’ll never be able to repay your help. Without you, I’d never have made it this far.»

«You’ll be a good doctor. The city needs young men like you.» Swanson smiled, then added, «If this old man may give you one more piece of advice — talk to your father. I know him well: he’s strict, but he’s still your father.»

Fabrizio gave a dry laugh. «Believe me, he won’t be understanding when he finds out I’ve secretly attended another faculty.»

«Then it’s time he learns that children don’t belong to us.»

Fabrizio sighed, disillusioned by the very idea. He shook the man’s hand one last time and took his leave.

He stepped into the nearby washroom and splashed his face with cold water several times.

When he finally raised his head to the mirror, he saw messy brown hair, hazel eyes tinged with green — and that red badge on his jacket weighing on him like a mark.

So many things had already changed... and many more were about to.

He glanced at his watch. Maybe, there was still time.