Chapter 20

Chapter 20

T he morning of my first official day at PairTech, I wake up before my alarm even goes off — a bundle of nerves and barely contained excitement. This is it, the start of a whole new chapter in my life and career. One where I get to take everything I’ve learned from the Book Club’s mentorship program and integrate it into PairTech’s innovative approach.

The idea is super exciting… but yeah, kind of scary too, if I’m being honest. What if the two philosophies don’t mix as well as I thought? What if all the tech stuff overshadows the emotional wisdom and personal touch I’ve been trained to give?

I push those nagging doubts aside while I get ready, throwing on one of my nicest blouses and slacks. No need to stick to the Book Club’s casual dress code anymore. Time to show off a more modern, professional vibe to the world.

The walk into the heart of downtown Yamato is familiar, though I haven’t traveled this route in weeks. Not since the Book Club’s closure, at least. A small pang of wistful nostalgia rolls through me as I approach PairTech’s sleek new offices.

How did I even get here?

This could’ve been my path months ago if I hadn’t been so stubborn about PairTech’s methods from the start. I shake my head at my past arrogance. If only I’d seen the bigger picture back then instead of getting stuck in my defensive assumptions…

Well, no point dwelling on ancient history. I’m here. Now. I’ve been given this incredible opportunity, and I’ll be damned if I don’t make the most of it.

Taking a deep breath, I head inside, and I’m greeted by the same bright and airy lobby I remember from my visit to Izumo — plush furniture, warm wood tones, and a smattering of animal ambassadors lounging around. The vibe is upscale, yet still welcoming, putting me instantly at ease.

“You must be Winta,” a friendly voice calls out. I turn to find a smiling young woman in PairTech’s signature teal polo approaching me with an outstretched hand. “I’m Cheryl, one of the staff geneticists here. It’s so wonderful to finally meet you in person.”

I shake her hand back, grinning just as widely. “It’s great to meet you, too. I’ve gotta say, I can’t wait to get started and check out your operation up close.” I’m buzzing, but maybe I had too much coffee this morning.

“Wonderful! I’m excited to show you around.” Cheryl loops her arm through mine in an easy, casual gesture. “We’ll get you all set up with credentials and access to our systems first. Then I’ll take you on a full tour, introduce you to some of the other staff, and we can familiarize you with our DNA sampling and analysis procedures.”

The first tendril of nerves uncoils in my Psychic Belly. It has been on high alert, but everything is going fine so far. This is really happening. A whole new world of matchmaking philosophies and technologies is opening up before me. Part of me is still in disbelief that I’ve found my way here after the Book Club’s tragic closure.

But the rest of me, the part that’s excited to keep our mentorship program alive, is ready to dive in and learn everything I can.

The next few hours pass in a whirlwind of introductions, orientations, and system walkthroughs. True to her word, Cheryl is an absolute gem — patient, knowledgeable, and brimming over with the same sort of passion for PairTech’s mission that I’ve always felt for the Book Club’s work.

“Our process has many layers beyond the genetic analysis,” she explains as we move through the open office area, gesturing to the various workstations and staff members we pass. “There’s the comprehensive personality and behavioral evaluations, of course. But we also rely on good old-fashioned observational skills from our mentors to pick up on all those subtle cues, just like your approach.”

I perk up at that, feeling a bit relieved. So, they do value the same emotional intuition and personal touch I’ve been trained in, not just cold, hard data.

“We’re excited to use more of those intimate facilitation methods in our process,” Cheryl continues. “Having your expertise on the team will be important for helping us bridge that gap between science and personal experience.”

Excellent. This is my chance to ensure the Book Club’s philosophies live on.

No pressure or anything, right?

“I’m looking forward to it,” I tell Cheryl, meaning it with my whole heart. “I’ve worked my entire life for this. I’m ready to dive in, bring our methods together, and help PairTech’s process really click.”

Cheryl beams at me, giving my arm an excited squeeze as we round the corner into another wing of the office.

“That’s precisely what I wanted to hear! Oh, I’m just so glad we’ll have you as part of the team, Winta. I have a feeling you’re going to be an invaluable asset around here.”

We continue moving through the offices, and Cheryl points out various labs and workstations. I try to absorb as much as I can, making mental notes about equipment and procedures. Eventually, we arrive at a closed door with a biometric scanner beside it.

Inside is the main genetics lab, filled with state-of-the-art gene sequencers and analysis stations. “We have some of the most advanced genetic research technology,” she says with pride. Overwhelmed, I can only nod.

“I know. It’s a lot to take in. But don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time to get acquainted with everything. We’ll start your training slow until you’re comfortable with our sampling and processing protocols —”

She suddenly stops, her brow creasing as she looks down at the tablet in her hands. She’s quiet for a moment, absorbed in whatever’s on the screen. Is something wrong? My scalp prickles, and I’m about to ask, but she snaps her head up and gives me a look of pure astonishment.

“Winta… this can’t be right,” she murmurs, shaking her head. “According to these records, your full genetic profile is already uploaded into our system. And there’s a… well, there’s an extremely high compatibility match flagged for you.”

I blink at her. “I… I’m sorry, what?”

Oh. Oh, right! I totally forgot. All those weeks ago, I visited the Izumo branch before the storm hit the Book Club, and they took a DNA sample from me…

“From the Izumo branch?” she asks, and I nod. “Well, the numbers don’t lie,” Cheryl says, turning the tablet, so I can see the results displayed there. “This is showing a 98.7% genetic compatibility rating between you and…”

She taps a few times, pulling up another window with a photograph. My breath catches in my throat as I stare down at the image of a stunning slate-gray dog, the size of a horse. What the hell?

“…and this wolfhound,” Cheryl finishes in an awed murmur. “Winta, I don’t mean to overstep here, but that’s one of the highest match percentages I’ve ever seen in all my years with the company. This incredible creature may very well be your pair.”

I… what? Words slip from my mind as this shocking news hits me. After years of longing and waiting, thinking I’d never find that perfect pair bond… could it really be right in front of me now?

Cheryl waits while I process this. “We can run a full analysis and get you two introduced, of course,” she says, her voice gentle and kind. “I mean, this is… this is huge. A moment like this doesn’t come around for most people, you know?”

Yes, I know. Oh gods, do I know.

I slowly and reverently reach out and trace one fingertip over the image of the beautiful wolfhound, an unmistakable spark lighting in my soul. Is this what the Book Club’s teachings have been prepping me for all along? Am I on the brink of that bond I’ve spent my whole life helping others find?

A small and fragile sense of hope blooms in my chest as I meet Cheryl’s smile. This may be the start of a new journey for me career-wise…

But perhaps it’s also the start of something far more meaningful — something that will forever change the path of my life in ways I can’t even begin to fathom yet.

But whatever happens, there will be no more hesitation, no more holding back.

Perfect match or not, I’ll trust the magic of the connection and have the courage to walk right into whatever’s waiting for me on the other side.

THE END