|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2015 10:27 pm
A swarthy hand, almost workman like in appearance and anything but in motion, picked up the ring and brought it up. The face that studied it was much like the hand. Although he was in a white coat, the man appeared more like the sort of doctor who left people in icy bathtubs than one who meant anything good for a patient. "Good morning, Mr. Thompson." He had an orator's voice, smooth and carrying even in quietly conversational tones. "If you feel the need to panic further, please abstain until you reach your room. You have so little dignity," the man sounded almost apologetic at this, "that I feel the need to allot you some small piece of what remains." Crouching down to meet the other man's gaze, he went on, "You underwent a test. For science." Too many teeth. "It was voluntary, and you approached me to do it. When you regain yourself, I'll apprise you as to the results. For now,though, I'd like to know what you remember."
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2015 10:29 pm
A long, weighty pause while he attempted to control himself, watching the stranger warily.
"Can you be more specific?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2015 10:33 pm
A grin, "Well that hasn't changed at all. I'll try not to tax you too greatly, then." The doctor held up three fingers, "Do you know who you are? Do you know where you are? Do you know how old your daughter is?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2015 10:44 pm
The bafflement--which was, to be fair, still warring with the fact that he was trying to man up over waking up to a burn--gave way slowly and completely to distress, particularly at the last question. Another long silence, while he puzzled over the questions. This might have been answer enough, except that it looked distinctly as though he were groping towards something real.
"My name is... Taym." It was said with too much confidence. The confidence of someone who thought he was about to fail, only to realize that no, he wasn't, right at the last second. "Thompson, I guess," he added cautiously, aware that he'd gotten that one only because he'd been told it.
"I don't know where the ******** I am. I don't--do I... I don't--" he repeated, confused again, and then, once more, distressed. "I wouldn't just ******** forget. What kind of a*****e would I be if I forgot." It was definitely accusatory, as though he suspected someone was pulling his leg, or throwing in a trick question. And then, abruptly, he teared up again although to his credit he kept it down, distraught but controlled. It felt like he ought to know. It felt like he was forgetting something very important. "Her name is Tuesday," he blurted, and then his brow furrowed, and it was obvious that this was all he was mustering up. He was trying desperately to put a face to the name, and nothing was sticking, just an enormous sensation of guilt.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2015 10:55 pm
"The test you underwent had the possibility of side effects. Namely amnesia," the man explained patiently. "It should be very temporary. No previous subjects have taken longer than a week to remember. You may, at some point, begin to hear a voice in your head during this time. Don't worry, she belongs there." And at this, the doctor held out the ring, now cool if slightly damaged.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2015 11:12 pm
He hesitated, and made himself get to his feet--no dignity, indeed--before cautiously reaching out to take it, staring blankly at the discolored half of it facing him. It wasn't immediately obvious what he ought to do with it and so, after a pause, he nervously put it back on his other hand's undamaged finger, probably afraid that it was going to spontaneously start boiling again. He had a great many questions: what test, who was he, what did he mean by a voice, was this ******** thing going to start melting again. Instead, after another pause, he timidly assayed a question: "Where am I staying?" And then, because if he had no dignity why not just embrace it, he pleaded: "Please don't say a hospital room." And then: "Do I get--do I..." But the question would not materialize and this one wasn't out of forgetfulness but shame. He didn't feel sick. But it was probably in the post and he was, besides, justifiably terrified.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2015 11:18 pm
"You have an apartment," the doctor stood up. "I'm afraid a stay in the infirmary would have Nurse Daye shouting abuse at my door, so do stay at your own place rather than taking up space in one of mine. I suspect your key is in your pocket. I'll have one of the techs show you the way. Occupy yourself until you're useful once more, and stay out of people's way."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
