by Paul Watson
Max was playing rugby and had scored four times for his team.
‘He’s playing well today,’ Andy said.
‘He’s played well in every match this season,’ Jess said. ‘Do you think it’s something to do with this summer? What were you saying about that man Adam?’
‘Max can remember everything he said while I was in the PKL building with him. He told me afterwards he wanted to grow, to connect with everyone in the world. Max was about to turn off his life-support system so I could join him in the machine, but he discovered another presence in the computer: Adam. He could remember the man’s memories as if they were his own, but Adam seemed incomplete, Max was in control, but Max listened to Adam.’
‘Listened to him?’
‘He said it was like listening, but more like remembering the actions and experiences of someone else. Adam was older than Max, and Adam remembered being a great athlete and having a girlfriend. Max says he’s forgotten a lot of it now but he handles situations better, he learned things from Adam.’
‘And that’s what brought him back?’
‘That’s what he said. When the memories from Adam joined with him, he wasn’t just Max anymore. They decided together. Adam urged Max to wake; they disconnected Max from the machine by stimulating his adenosine receptors and unbinding the chemicals attached to them. Max flowed back into his natural mind; he could not connect with Adam anymore; Max opened his eyes, and I was there.’
The final whistle blew. Max slapped his mates on the back; they hugged him in return. Sam was playing with another small boy near the touchline; they were watching Max’s match, in between chasing a Pigeon and wrestling.
Max went over to his little brother, picked him up, and hugged him close. Sam’s friend wandered back to his mum, who was ready for home.
Max waved over to his parents, and Andy waved back and put his thumb in the air. Max turned and walked towards the changing room with his team, leaving Sam by himself on the touchline.
Sam gazed around for a few seconds and thought about chasing the pigeon but didn’t. He ran back to Jess and Andy.
Author’s note
Reflux is my first novel. I hope you enjoyed it, and, like Julia, I’d love to share your thoughts.
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