As I stared into the vast expanse of infinity - I could swear it stared back...
"Doctor? Are you alright?"
My assistant, Thomas, looked at me with palpable fright. He had a way of exaggerating things. Exaggerating things and annoying me in the process. If he wasn't such a brilliant scientist I would never put up with him. Then again, who knows what type of expression I was making? Was it that bad?
"Yes, Thomas." I exhaled a withheld breath. I pointed towards the microscope. "But this is extraordinary, take a look yourself."
As I contemplated the extent of my findings, Thomas concluded his session. He turned to me, awed and with that goofy smile of his. Ah, the young, so quick to be excited without reckoning the consequences.
"This is great, Doctor! Why do you look so worried?"
"The repercussions of this, Thomas, could change the very trajectory of humanity," I said, biting my nails.
"But you were right!"
"Would you believe I prayed to God I wasn't?"
"You are a believer?" Thomas's face was incredulous.
I sighed. "Go home, Thomas. I'll clean up here."
Some minor protesting from Thomas but soon I was alone in the lab. Why was I so aggravated by Thomas's antics? Could he really be that brilliant in bionics, yet so dumb as a conversationalist? Most days I found it charming, but today of all days it just annoyed me. More than that, he couldn't understand that this experiment should've failed.
I checked the microscope again and found my breath lacking. This had to be tested further. I had to test it further. The tray was shaking in my palm as I took it out. Then, as all good practitioners would - I checked myself one last time.
The final step of the process is human subjugation. What researcher worth his salt would risk someone else's life? I understood that the risk is slim to none, but still a risk. I could feel my palms sweating as I got the needle and prepared the injection.
Just then I saw something in the corner of my eye - Thomas's teddy bear... How could an adult scientist still carry about a teddy bear? And he forgot it in the laboratory? Unacceptable! I should tear it to bits just for the principle. But no, let's focus on the task at hand. I'll deal with Thomas after I prove this sample is a success.
The needle slowly absorbed the liquid, and my mouth watered. Was I being too hasty? No! The results spoke for themselves, this is but a confirmation of the rationale. Nothing more, nothing less. Yes. This was prudent, but it was also unscary. What I did was merely to prove to the board my utmost confidence in the solution. Yes. Yes...
Before I could change my mind I injected the sample into my bloodstream. Very soon I could feel it coursing throughout my body. It felt... powerful. I felt powerful. It was exhilarating! I've done MDMA trials in the past and those paled in comparison to the euphoria I was experiencing.
Somewhere, in some deep crevasse of my mind, I was screaming. None of my calculations indicated this type of reaction. But... the mind sometimes lies to us! Compared to this! This felt right, and true, and powerful.
Something fell and crashed on the floor. I was souring, expanding. The floor at my feet vanished. And the colors of the spectrum came into view. All the colors. Colors I've never seen or even thought possible. Extraordinary... More noises, more crashes, but ultimately unimportant. Nothing was important at the end of the day. That stark clarity was magnificent. Yet, even more noise, louder than before.
Then... pain...
Was the doctor mad at me again? I shrugged. Sometimes, however hard I try to lighten the mood, he was always so serious.
A man could lose himself if left unchecked.
Oh well, nothing much I could do. Getting this job was the best thing that ever happened to me. The doctor also meant well. And maybe one day I'll get through to him and show him there's more to life than vials and samples and microbes.
This experiment was super exciting, however. If the doctor was right, and he usually was, the entire laboratory could be set for life. Not to mention the impact it would have on the human psyche. And -
Where was Teddy? Did I forget him in the lab again? I heard myself sigh. The doctor warned me to never leave it behind. But I was so excited by our findings that Teddy just slipped my mind. That's not good. Doc won't be happy about that.
Oh well, we'll worry about that tomorrow. It was late, and I should probably go to bed, but one game won't hurt anyone, right? I turned on my console and stay down to play. Just then, I heard a commotion outside.
I opened my front door and - what was -
Pain shot through my body as I gazed upon the monstrosity. Green, menacing, dangerous. Its limbs defied the laws of physics, and its skin was scaly but ragged. It had no eyes yet I could feel its gaze upon me.
Nightmare fuel.
The pain only increased as I... as I...
I heard myself scream.
Until I was wrapped by merciful oblivion.
This is the first draft of the story. Written by Jovan Gjorgjiev, ©️ 2023.
Obligatory shout-out to the 🍕PIZZA🍕 gang, 🤙 gang. 🤙
This was a quick write-up, as I"m sure the grammatical inconsistencies would test. 😁 I really need to work on my first person more. As always, drafting is imperative! Regardless, I hope you good folks enjoyed! 😌
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Cover image source.
Hope you have a fantastic day! 🙌
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