Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Write in the SCIENCE FICTION genre (05/10/07)
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TITLE: Worming it's way in | Previous Challenge Entry
By Ed VanDeMark
05/13/07 -
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“Hey mom the newspaper says a Dr. Girondo is looking for volunteers for an experimental test to combat depression.”
“What’s it say he’s doing?”
“What difference does it make? Dad’s tried to kill himself twice already. One of these days he’ll succeed.”
“You’ve got a point there Josh.”
Six days later Doris and Ray Larsen enter Dr. Girondo’s office. Ray asks. “What’re we doing this time?”
“This doctor has a new way of treating depression.”
“So what’s he do?”
“I really don’t know, but the newspaper says it has promise.”
“Whatever.”
After a few minutes of waiting the nurse invites Ray into the treatment room. Doris asks. “Can I come in too?”
The nurse responds. “If it’s okay with him.”
“I guess so”, Ray responds.
Ray appears to be contemplating his shoelaces while Doris fidgets nervously. Silence pervades the room until the doctor enters several minutes later. Ray looks up momentarily then lowers his gaze without any further acknowledgment of the doctor. Meanwhile Doris jumps to her feet, extending her hand. “Doctor G., can I call you Doctor G? We are so anxious to see you. We’ve heard wonderful things about your new procedure.”
The doctor replies. “Well thank you Mrs. Larsen. Can I call you Mrs. L.?”
“Certainly Dr. Girondo but I prefer Doris.”
“Dr. G. is just fine. What do know about my procedure?”
Doris says. “Nothing really, just that the newspaper said it’s the biggest break through in treating depression in the last 20 years.”
“I believe it is, but I hope you realize this is a test program. As of yet, neither the AMA, or the Federal government recognize it. Now that you know that Ray, do you want to continue this discussion?”
“Whatever.”
Doris asks if she can have a private conversation with the doctor outside the room. Dr. G. looks to Ray to see if her request concerns him. Seeing no change in his demeanor, the doctor and Doris step into the hallway. Doris says: “Ray has attempted suicide twice and I fear he will keep trying until he succeeds.” With that they return to the room.
Dr. G. looks directly at Ray and says. “This procedure is a radical departure from standard treatment programs. It looks good in theory and seems to work with rats, but it has never been tested with humans.” Looking for a response and getting nothing he continues. “We drill a small hole through your skull at a carefully calculated location and inject a small, tiny even, worm that has been treated with a radio isotope. This worm bores into this part of your brain and in about two days it dies leaving the isotope in place to destroy just enough of the brain tissue to relieve your depressions once and for all.” Looking into Ray’s downcast eyes he continues. “Are you interested in participating in this experimental program?”
Without looking up Ray says. “Whatever.”
Doris interjects her opinion. “We are very interested, what do we have to do to get started?”
Dr. G. replies. “I’ll send my nurse in to complete the paper work. That is, if you want to continue Ray.”
Ray shrugs his shoulders. “I guess so.”
At his six month check up Ray walks quickly into Dr. G’s office. He greets the receptionists with a huge smile and hearty hello. He says. “I hope this isn’t going to take too long, I’ve got a golf tournament in an hour, and after that I’m on a bus to Atlantic City for three days.”
A few minutes later he’s in the treatment room tapping his foot to the elevator music that is being piped in. As Dr. G. walks through the door with a grim look on his face, Ray jumps to his feet and says. “Doc you’ve given me my life back. I’ve never felt this good, not in my whole life.”
Looking glum Dr. G. says. “Ray you better take a seat. I have bad news for you.”
“What are you talking about Doc? I feel great.”
The Doctor looks up into Ray’s expectant eyes. “The worm was pregnant.”
Ray responds. “So what does that mean?”
“Do you know Jesus?”
“No not really. Why do you ask?”
“Because you only have two months left to take care of it.” He adds. “By the way, is not a trivial matter.”
“Who are you?”
“They call me St. Peter.”
“Thank you Lord!”
“Close call Ray?”
“Yesterday afternoon.”
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