Chapter 35

Three months had passed, dragged away with the wind when the human cloning project had completely changed its course. From the beginning, it had been directed to help other people treat illnesses that were threatening their well-being, but right now, Dr. Choi did not want to know any of that, did not want to learn about new cures and medicines, and did not want to get involved in advancing new types of treatments for incurable ailments. She did not want to be linked with anything that was not the yearned and only desire of her: the recovery of Clara Choi.

She was so obsessed with seeing her firstborn alive once more that she had not only designed a prototype of her daughter's DNA, which had been obtained from a few waste that Clara had left inside the doctor's house: strands of hair, pulled nails and the occasional eyelash, the last evidence being somewhat difficult to find, but it did not matter much when it came to creating clones of his girl. At the end of it all, and at the end of the investigation, Dr. Choi had been left with three different DNA prototypes, since with respect to the initial DNA, in some parts of the chromosome contained by the new DNA, the nitrogenous bases changed position. Although it was not a huge difference, Choi wanted to keep everything under control, and if for this she had to devise three different plans for the clones of her girl, then, she would do that.

When she finished, she walked to a wooden shelf that stood by the entrance to her laboratory, and there she selected three glass jars herself. All those having been cleaned beforehand, of course. Then, walking to the table where Clara's three new DNAs were spread over the Petri dishes, she positioned each of the jars held next to the prototypes. Using gloves and tweezers, she carefully placed each DNA originating on her own merits into each of the clear jars. At the end of the task, she poured a strange kind of dark liquid, partially similar to the silicone by its thickness, however, this mass was not colorless but was stained an abysmal blackish tone, similar to the night sky. «This will help keep them preserved and in good condition», thought Choi as she closed the jars with their respective lids, but another thought invaded her mind as she placed the containers on the wooden shelf. And it was about the imminent development of the clones of her daughter.

How could she, in the solitude of her laboratory, make it possible for those DNAs to finally become human beings? At some point in the trajectory that she had taken her project, she believed that she herself could engender them, that is, get pregnant with the three clones, and as they grow, choose the one that would most resemble her deceased daughter. But when he realized her age, he knew that this was not entirely possible. Already in older age, women tend to be less likely to become pregnant, and in other cases, to be able to keep the baby in perfect condition within their wombs, since the gestation period could inevitably turn into a spontaneous abortion. Different variables that could affect the development and growth of clones. Therefore, she had to find other participants who were willing to allow themselves to take care of a baby that was not hers. However, who would accept such a proposal? And most important of all, how could she contact women of that type?

She decided, then, that the best option she would have would be to give a remuneration in exchange for those three unknown women being able to rent her wombs for the clones to be born. An exorbitant amount of money could make anyone in difficult situations accept a deal as unhinged as the one Dr. Choi was proposing. Yes, that would work in her favor; she alone had to offer a certain economic amount, and, Done!, she would have those women working hand in hand with her towards her desired goal.

Now, there was another problem: How could she communicate with these women? For that, she would have to open the horizons of the city where she lived, go further away from those mountains, and visit other regions of the country. Perhaps in other parts of the nation, she could find the three indicated who would lend them their bellies to introduce the DNA. And soon, that these become babies. In humans; persons. Let them become her daughter.

[...]

On the first day of the exploration, Dr. Choi had driven to another town a little smaller than where she lived, and which was a few kilometers from her home and laboratory.

She parked the vehicle on a street, while she realized that in that area she was allowed to park. When she realized that they would not take her car away, she calmly got out. Walking through some streets, she allowed herself to see how beautiful that city was: the parks were well cared for and the sun was illuminating the recent businesses that began to open early. Despite this, it should be noted that that urban nucleus was also quite normal: there were people in suits who ran to get to their jobs on time, some others, like her, who did not look stressed or rushed and just enjoyed the warmth from the city, walking their dogs, reading a book in the cafeteria or having breakfast in some other restaurants. The simple and ordinary of today's cities.

She was walking through the central square in complete calm when a girl approached her. She was a pretty young girl, she would roughly put her in her twenties. There was a sign of tension in her face, characteristic of when one is distressed or when one is in a delicate situation. Or when one is desperate. Or it could be all three at the same time. The thing was that, that female seemed to need help with some problem she had. Therefore, the doctor was attentive to whatever she had to say.

—Good Morning! —The younger woman greeted.

—Good Morning. —Choi returned the salute, as she watched the opponent play with her fingers, denoting even more nervousness. —How can I help you?

—No. —The stranger answered, causing confusion in the doctor. —What I mean is that I don't need you to help me, but I want to help someone. I mean… How could I say it?… —It seemed that inside her head she was searching for the right words to express her tangled thoughts. —I need a job, I need money, and I can do anything for you if you pay me later. I can clean your house, I can be a work assistant, I can be a babysitter, I can be your cook and housekeeper, I can be whatever you ask of me, but I need the money. Please.

"This is what I came to this city for," thought the doctor, understanding the risky situation in which the young woman found herself. Inside her mind and her being, this was a good factor from which she could profit. This is perfect for me.

—Oh no, —the young woman murmured when she noticed the astonished face that Choi was showing her at that moment, but far from being surprised, the doctor was happy. Animated; and too cheerful. Glad to know that she had found someone who would help her with her project. —I think I scared you, didn't I? I am so sorry.

—No. —The doctor answered the young woman's question. —Not at all, and you're lucky. I need someone to help me with something and I will gladly pay you if you are willing to do it. Only first I need... your name and your phone number to contact you later.

The corners of the young woman's lips lifted, looking happy and relieved without any shame. She was happy because she now had a job. —Sure! Take. —She said, as she took a folded paper out of her pocket and handed it to the doctor. —I didn't know if it was going to be of great help, but now I see that it was. How lucky I brought it with me this morning.

When the doctor finally received the piece of paper, she fixed her glance and attention on the letters and numbers that had been written there.

—So, your name is Teresa Belsunce. —The specialist smiled.

—So is! —The aforementioned answered. —It will be a pleasure working with you. You will not regret choosing me.

After that, Dr. Choi got back into her car, driving to her home. At that point in the search, she only needed to find the two remaining women and her entire project could go ahead. As much as she wanted it to be.

[...]

—The real question is whether you will regret having offered your help to me, Teresa.