The Memory Keeper: Twisted Roots

Khai's POV

After finishing lunch, we headed back to Rain's office. The shift from a casual meal to a professional setting was seamless, but I could feel the undercurrent of tension—the weight of what wasn't said between us.

Rain gathered her team in the conference room attached to her office, a sleek space with large windows that let in the Chicago skyline. The whiteboard and projector were already set up, with blueprints and layouts of The Azotea spread across the large table. Her team of engineers and architects stood ready, flipping through their notes and laptops.

Rain, now in full professional mode, took her place at the head of the table. "Alright, everyone, let's get down to business," she said, her tone sharp and focused.

She pulled out a large sketchpad and began flipping to a blank page. "Ms. Stanton," she addressed me formally, "let's go over the vision for The Azotea. From what I've gathered, this is a luxury suburban condominium complex with a focus on functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal. Let's discuss the core layout and how we can make it stand out."

I nodded. "Exactly. The main building should be the centerpiece, with amenities like a rooftop garden, a multi-purpose hall, and a fitness center. We also want the individual units to have spacious balconies and lots of natural light."

As I spoke, Rain started sketching on her pad, her pen moving swiftly yet precisely. Her team threw in suggestions here and there.

"Given the suburban location," one engineer chimed in, "we could incorporate outdoor spaces—maybe a pool area or a landscaped courtyard for communal use."

Rain looked up, her brows furrowed in thought. "I like that idea. But we'll need to ensure that the outdoor features don't sacrifice privacy for the residents. Perhaps we can integrate segmented spaces around the pool area—something like private cabanas or a shaded lounge."

She started sketching the pool layout, her lines bold and confident.

"What about the parking situation?" another team member asked. "Should it be underground, or do we want a multi-level garage?"

Rain paused, glancing at me for input.

"Underground parking would maximize the land use," I suggested. "But we'd need to make sure it's well-lit and easily accessible for residents."

Rain nodded, her pen gliding across the paper again. "Good point. We'll add a direct elevator access from the underground parking to each floor." She circled a section of the sketch.

One of the architects leaned forward. "What's your vision for the façade? Modern? Minimalist? Or something more traditional to blend with the suburban setting?"

I hesitated for a moment, but Rain picked up where I left off. "I think a modern minimalist design would work best. Clean lines, neutral tones, but with natural elements—maybe wood or stone accents—to give it warmth. What do you think, Khai?"

Her question was directed at me, but all I could focus on was how effortlessly she took control of the room, commanding attention without demanding it. She was a force to be reckoned with, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of pride—and something deeper—watching her work.

"That works," I managed to say, pulling myself out of my thoughts. "Let's go with that."

Rain smiled, her pen never stopping. Within minutes, she had a rough sketch of the main building—a sleek structure with large glass windows, a rooftop garden, and a pool area tucked into a landscaped courtyard.

Her team leaned in, impressed. "That's incredible," one of them murmured.

Rain set her pen down and looked at me. "What do you think?"