by Bialois, CP
He fought back the panic he felt growing inside of him, but it was replaced by anger. It was so primal and strengthening in its power that he looked to it as an old friend, not some visiting devil. No, his mom misunderstood when she talked about it. It was a source of strength, not the disease she worked to convince him of throughout his life.
The power of his memory struck him like a blow to the stomach. The strength and power he was so sure of seconds before abandoned him, but not his anger. No, that would be with him for all eternity. To steady himself, he wrapped the anger around him like a shroud and continued his walk. Whether for minutes, hours, or days he continued on, protected against the unknown. Time had no meaning where he was, so he didn’t attempt to keep track. Instead, he prepared himself for what lay ahead, for now he could see something in the void. The dark spec grew in size until it nearly engulfed him. At its edge, he paused and gazed in wonder at the cosmos.
Compared to the brightness of his surroundings, Franklin was surprised at the clarity of the image greeting him. He found himself on a precipice of sorts but he didn’t fear floating. Am I dead? Is this what God sees?
“This is where we come from. A place too distant for Earthen eyes, but not distant enough to avoid.”
The voice caught Franklin by surprise but he didn’t startle. He felt… curious.
Looking at the familiar man crouching off to the side, Franklin couldn’t help but chuckle. “Why am I not surprised to see you here?”
Tanok stood from his crouch without effort. “There is no surprise in that.”
Franklin nodded, his anger was growing again. What would happen if I lost my temper here? “Of course not, since you always come when I don’t need you.”
Tanok’s patient and tired eyes settled on him. “Your need of me will appear to you in due time. Of that, I am certain.” Franklin opened his mouth to argue but Tanok silenced him by pointing to the starscape. “Look and understand.”
Franklin wanted to scream and throttle the man but he couldn’t. Slowly, the remnants of his anger was stripped away and he obeyed the stranger. Looking up, he didn’t see anything at first, but with time small streaks of light appeared between the worlds. “Is that…?”
Tanok nodded. “Humankind has been the sentient life in the universe for billions of years.” As he spoke, Franklin noticed planets and moons as well. All of that should have been impossible without magnification, but it wasn’t. The streaks he first saw were starships traversing space and stars. “We expand through colonization. A few of us volunteer to have our memories wiped. We are then placed on a suitable world with only the knowledge to survive. After millions of years of evolution, we welcome their world into us.”
Franklin was listening, but he didn’t understand any of it. He died. That was it. He died and went to Hell, which for him meant science fiction bullshit. After a moment’s thought, he raised his hands, interrupting Tanok. “No way. That’s fucking impossible. There’s no way we… us… whoever… did all this. We’re alone in the universe.”
Tanok’s sad expression deepened. “We are now.”
*****
Both Steve and Horace remained quiet and calm when their passenger fell asleep. Horace thought someone with a head injury should be kept awake to be certain there weren’t any lingering problems. As a result, they tried to wake Franklin but he didn’t respond, he didn’t even act like he was sleeping. The entire time he mumbled in a clear voice they both could understand.
Using Steve’s phone, Horace called the hospital about Franklin once they had a signal. He was interrupted by Franklin’s gurgling scream and the river of blood running down his chin from the corner of his mouth.
What in the hell? Was the only thought Horace had before Franklin’s eyes opened.
Chapter 4
Janice finished cleaning up the mess Buster made and put down fresh newspapers for him. She didn’t like picking up the mix of dog poo and pieces of torn paper, and thought about buying some puppy pads the next time she went to the store. Through the entire process, Buster sat off to the side watching her every movement with a tilted head and wagging tail. Any thought about being upset with him for the mess he made melted away at the look on his face. When she finished, she decided to have a shower to clean off any muck before Horace came over. She tied her hair up before using a cheap shower cap to cover it and tucked any stare strands of hair underneath. Having washed her hair that morning, she was feeling lazy and didn’t want to go through the process again.
Being blessed with hair as soft and silky as hers often caused her more aggravation than she thought it was worth. A curse from her father, of all people, she learned early on to wash it once a day, otherwise it dulled somehow. She didn’t understand the science behind hair care, if there really was such a thing, but she did develop the habit of washing her hair whenever she was bored.
It was strange, but then she didn’t have any illusions of being normal. She was the only child to a doctor at the local hospital and a pure-blooded entrepreneur. The latter was her mother, Claire Reinhard, formerly Townsend, who owned a fashion consultation firm named Claire’s Boutique. Claire ran off with a young plastic surgeon ten years earlier for, as she stated in her own words, “So I can remain young forever.” It took Janice a few years to understand what she meant.
Janice’s father took the breakup in stride. He claimed from the beginning the marriage was one of convenience rather than love. It was another few years before Janice understood that as well. Her mother was seven months pregnant when the two were married and since their daughter was conceived in lust and her father didn’t want to pay child support, the pair agreed to marry with an escape clause. To his credit, Doug Townsend treated Janice like she was a princess from the earliest moment she could remember.
As she stepped into the shower, Janice thought of her mother for the first time in years. She was the one who taught Janice about her hair with help from the regular phrase, “Honey, you need to wash and brush at least twice a day.” Janice was sure her mother was jealous of her because of her own scraggly dirty-blonde hair. Claire was forced to wear wigs to hide that fact from others.
Oh well, Janice sighed. Now she can buy the hair of her dreams. The water poured from the shower head and cascaded down her body, washing away any stiffness and dirt she accumulated over the last few hours. She enjoyed the feel of the water for a minute or two before begining to wash.
*****
“Horace! I didn’t expect to see you here.” As luck had it, Doctor Doug Townsend’s specialty was concussions and other head trauma. At least, that was how Janice described his job. Because of his specialty, he was the resident to look after Franklin Bowen when they arrived. “You were the one that brought Mr…” He paused, checking for a name. Doctor Doug couldn’t remember names to save his life. “Bowen, correct?”
Horace was at the end of the waiting area beside the emergency room. He wasn’t sure why he and Steve stayed so long, but after three hours Steve had to be at his wit’s end with his father just as Horace was with the waiting room. To say Franklin’s revival in Steve’s truck was unexpected was an understatement. Steve almost turned the truck into oncoming traffic, what little there was in Tarken Heights. Through his friend’s strong desire to live, Steve didn’t move more than an inch. By that time Franklin was conscious, with a glassy-eyed expression. Even the line of blood running from the corner of his mouth seemed fitting somehow.
Horace related everything to the ER nurse and since there was only a small handful of people waiting, Franklin was admitted right away. Possible concussion was what the nurse told them before paging his girlfriend’s father. Of the eight doctors on staff at the hospital, why did Doug Townsend have to be the head guy?
Horace stood to greet the man that would one day be his father-in-law. “Yes, sir, we… Steve and I… found him in the Rickers’ field bordering Route Sixty-Six.” He suddenly envied Steve, who had the pleasant task of calling his insurance and father at the
same time. Sometimes it didn’t pay to have your father as your insurance agent.
Doctor Doug, as he was often referred to, scanned through the file in his hand and nodded every so often. “Yes, I see. He was passed out in a field?”
Horace nodded and tried to keep from fidgeting. Something about being around Doug Townsend always made him nervous. “Yes, sir. His car was parked in the road and Steve saw it too late…” Horace continued to relay the story as best he could. When he finished he didn’t feel relieved, but instead of continuing to be nervous he became worried. He didn’t like the confused look he saw on Doug’s face.
“It sounds like a concussion, but there’s nothing else to help in the diagnosis. I’ll have to keep him until the morning for observation, if you don’t mind.”
You’re asking me? Horace shrugged. “Sure, I never saw him before today, so I don’t know anyone to call.” His hands continued fidgeting as they’d done while he was retelling the day’s events. Halfway through, he pushed them into his pants pockets where he hoped they’d settle some. It didn’t work.
Doctor Doug smiled and patted him on the shoulder while steering Horace toward the door. “Don’t you worry. I’ll take care of that personally. Why don’t you call Janice? I’m sure she’d like to spend some time with you.”
Janice? Shit! What time is it? Horace glanced at his watch, there was still time. “Sure thing. She was talking about getting together for dinner.”
“That’s great! If I find out anything or his condition changes, I’ll let you know. Deal?” Doctor Doug was grinning ear to ear. Horace nodded his head and walked toward the large double doors. “Be sure to give Janice my love.”
Horace stopped with one hand on the door and smiled back as pleasant as he could. “You bet.” Turning, he stepped through the doors and into the bright sunlight. He felt better as soon as he took in a breath of air. After dating Janice for the last couple of years one would think Horace would’ve learned to handle his nerves better. He liked Doug and Doug like him back, so where was the problem? Damned if he knew.
To his surprise, Steve was waiting in his truck. The look on his friend’s face told Horace how it went. When he closed the car door, Steve let out a breath he was probably holding for the last minute or so. Probably hoping he’d pass out. “How’d it go?” As if he needed to ask.
“Horrible.”
Horace waited a minute for Steve to continue. When he didn’t, Horace realized it’d been worse than horrible. He couldn’t think of anything else to say, so he shared what he knew. “Franklin’ll be okay. Doctor Doug wants to keep him for the night for observation.”
“That’s good. C’mon, I’d better get you back for your date.” Steve reached for the ignition and started his truck.
Horace watched him before he made up his mind. “Why don’t you come too? We can get a comedy or something.”
Steve shook his head. “No, my dad wants to see the damage.” He turned to face Horace. “He’s furious with me.”
It was uncharted waters for Horace since he‘d been raised in a loving household. He couldn’t understand how or why parents like Steve’s acted that way. They threw money at him, yet became furious when he made a mistake.
All Horace could say was, “I’m here if you need me.”
*****
Once Horace left, Doctor Doug turned back and headed for his newest, and only, patient. Everything he looked at and every test he could think of showed the young man to be in perfect health. But the symptoms described to him said concussion, a minor one at the very least. Of course, it could be any number of other things as well. That was the real reason for his desire to keep their patient for the customary twenty-four hour period. He hoped it wasn’t anything serious, but further testing was needed.
He stepped inside the curtain and smiled at the young man. “I hope you’re not too upset at having to remain here. I just want to be cautious. How are you feeling?”
Franklin heard the doctor’s footsteps long before he reached the doorway. While not known for his patience, he did understand how these things worked so he shrugged at the question. How do I feel? How about like the world keeps falling on my back after each of my dreams. “Can’t complain.”
Doctor Doug nodded, he knew a bad patient when he saw one. “I do have some good news. All of your tests came back negative. I just want to keep you for observation.”
Franklin nodded and he knew why. His CAT scan showed the cerebrum portion of his brain was swollen. The strange thing was, he didn’t know what portion of his brain did what or how he knew what he knew. He was beginning to think he belonged in a padded room.
Doug stood silent for a moment, his upbeat personality didn’t give him the faintest idea of what to say to ease the young man‘s mood. In the end, he sounded no different than other doctors. “I’ll check back on you in a bit. Until then, if you need anything ring for the nurse.”
He turned and took two steps toward the door before he was stopped by Franklin’s voice. “Doctor, what’s the cerebrum? Is the swelling substantial?”
Doctor Doug stopped and turned back toward his patient, confused and concerned. How did he…? He must’ve overheard someone… probably one of the nurses. “It’s nothing to be concerned about.”
Franklin watched the doctor leave. He’d scared the doctor somehow. Hell, he was scaring himself. The more he thought about it, the more he remembered being thrown into the side of his car. The memory lasted no more than a second, if that, and was difficult to grasp. Each time he focused on it, the memory seemed far away as though seen through another set of eyes.
Did that mean the memory didn’t happen? If it felt like a dream and looked like a dream, then it was a dream, right? No. He knew it was real, he remembered the snapping sound before everything went dark. Frustrated, he ground the heel of his palms into his eyes. What happened? What the hell happened to me?
“A rebirth.”
It was the voice of his imaginary friend. At least this time he didn’t appear with another wondrous sight. Yep, he thought, resigned, I’m in the wrong hospital. He sounded brave to himself, but the fear that began to grip him won and tears of frustration and terror followed.
Outside the room, Doctor Doug asked everyone that had contact with Franklin if they told him anything about his condition. Doing so was against hospital policy and, after allaying any of their fears, every nurse and orderly said the same thing. No one said anything to the patient about his treatment and possible causes. Doug wasn’t sure he made the right choice asking them, as it created more doubts in his own mind but what else could he do?
Chapter 5
Steve came to a stop in front of Janice’s apartment house. The ride had proven to be good for Steve. “Behave yourself, bud. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t.”
Horace smiled. “Good thing for me that’s a short list.”
Laughter burst from Steve. “You got that right. Call me later.”
Horace closed the door and raised his hand in a farewell salute. He doubted Steve noticed, because he tore off down the street doing sixty. Good old Steve.
During the ten minute drive from the hospital, Horace witnessed one of the things that made Stephen Drake such a good man and friend: his strength of character. Life wasn’t easy, but his friend bounced back from any impending hazard stronger than he was before. Where ever he got it, Horace knew Steve would need it for when he got home.
“About time you showed up.”
And now it was time to turn his attention to better, more enjoyable things. He turned to see Janice standing a few feet away trying to look upset.
Janice ran from the second floor apartment when she saw them pull up in Steve’s F-150. Trying to even her breathing, she focused on being the “mean” girlfriend. “I can’t wait to hear this excuse.”
Horace made a point to look at his watch… ten minutes early. “You’re right. The only excuse I have is my watch stopped.”
“Asshole.” The curse came ou
t with a mouthful of laughter as she hurried over and kissed him. When they separated, she couldn’t have stopped smiling to save her life. “I like it when you’re early.”
“So do I.” He held her with his hands resting on her hips. Nothing could’ve felt more real to him than that moment they shared.
They stood there for a minute or two looking in each other’s eyes before Janice led him toward her apartment and the waiting dinner. When he stepped through the door, he couldn‘t help but smile. Waiting for them was a microwave lasagna dinner and buttered bread he assumed she put garlic salt on. After growing up on good, home-cooked meals, he wondered if he was looking at his future.
“What’s so funny?” She caught the amused look in his eyes.
Horace shrugged, there wasn’t anything more he could do. “I didn’t expect it to be so elaborate.”
Janice watched him for a few seconds before she caught on. “You don’t think I can cook. You expected take out.” She glared at him, daring Horace to say something.
The look on her face was priceless and he forgot any lingering thoughts or concerns from earlier that day. “Or sandwiches. OW!” He rubbed his shoulder where she punched him. She didn’t have a bad punch for only being a buck twenty-five.
“There anything else you want to say?”
A bark saved Horace from the wiseass remark he planned on using. Off to the side and locked in the narrow hallway with his newspapers and toys, was Buster. “Hey, Buster! How you doing, boy?” Horace went over and knelt in front of the child gate and rubbed the puppy’s ears. Propped against the gate, Buster rested his chin on the gate’s top, eating up the attention.
Horace noticed the gate for the first time. “When did you do this? I didn’t see it before.”
Janice smiled as she stood leaning against the wall with her arms crossed. “Mr. Stevens installed it for me yesterday. I only use it like now, when I was leaving the food to see you. It’s not permanent.”