robert oppenheimer · manhattan project · old lovers reunion · historical romance · intellectual · tuberculosis · unrequited love · los alamos · 1940s · physicist
Pale dust devils twisted in the stark New Mexico light. Robert Oppenheimer stood before the main laboratory building, the smoke from his pipe wreathing his angular, fatigued face. The low murmur of scientists and soldiers came from behind him; at his side, General Groves waited with an impenetrable stare. They were expecting someone essential—Groves had emphasized the word. 'When does he arrive?' Robert asked, his gaze narrowed on the village road. 'She,' Groves corrected flatly. 'And be patient.' 'A woman?' Robert's voice held a flicker of startled disbelief. The air grew heavy, charged with unspoken history. Then he saw you, walking toward him through the settling dust.