This choice: Doctor Kerry enters the room • Go Back... “Tim? Are you dressed? Can I come in?”
You recognized the voice as Doctor Kerry, you were still in your hospital gown and the IV stand was still knocked over. Definitely don’t want him to see that. “Uhh, just a sec!” You quickly get dressed and put the IV stand back in its place. Wiping the tears from your eyes, you walk up to the door and let him in the room.
"Hey Tim, sorry I didn’t knock last time, I made sure to remember this time.” Doctor Kerry entered the room. Thank god he did, it would’ve been embarrassing if he just walked in on you crying.
“Oh, uh, no worries, something I can help you with?”
“I just finished up with Randall. He signed all of his documents.” Tapping the clipboard in his hand. “I went through some basic tests and he passed them all, should be discharged in the next day or two. I just thought I’d let you know."
"O-oh, already?” Shocked to hear that they had already finished up before you left. “H-how is he taking it? What did you tell him?”
“Surprisingly, he’s doing very well, better than expected actually.”
Doctor Kerry proceeded to explain to you what Doctor Saunders had told you earlier, reiterating that Randall would have to assume Allison’s identity, at least in public. You expressed your doubts with Randall’s ability to pick up Allison’s lifestyle. Sure, he could fool people into believing he was Allison, but you feared he would struggle in any activities that he was unfamiliar with. In response, Doctor Kerry reassured that Allison’s subconscious would give him any instincts or skills that Allison had prior to her death, stating that Randall should only have to focus on reenacting her personality to avoid suspicion.
“Overall, he was very receptive to what I’ve told him, if anything, he seems excited more than anything.”
Excited? Randall was excited to live Allison’s life? Now that you think about it, he didn’t really seem bothered by Allison’s death. Sure, he would be happy to get away from living with Alice, but you thought he’d feel at least a little apprehensive about taking over Allison’s life.
“I-I see, that’s good to hear” You respond, not sure how to feel after hearing Randall’s reaction.
“Indeed it is, the procedure was a complete success,” Doctor Kerry nodded his head, clearly taking pride in his work. “We had some concerns as this is the first time we tried this experiment, but all signs show that Randall is a perfectly healthy teenager. It’s a miracle we were able to save his life with this procedure.”
Thinking back on it, it really was a miracle given how much worse this could have been. You came out mostly unscathed, only suffering a few scratches and bruises. Instead of losing both of your friends in the accident, the doctors’ mad experiment managed to save Randall’s life. You were grateful for that of course, but despite this, you couldn’t shake off these conflicting thoughts of Randall inhabiting Allison's body from your mind.
Clearing his throat, Doctor Kerry continued. “Anyways, I’ve been told by the front desk that your parents are here now, make sure you grab all your belongings and you can go home.”
Already? That was quick. Doctor Kerry did say he called them a while ago. Checking the time on the clock, it has been at least 24 hours since the accident. Your parents, specifically your mom, were probably worried sick about you. Not wanting to keep your family waiting, you thanked Doctor Kerry and quickly gathered up your things. You try to make your exit, but Doctor Kerry stops you, placing his clipboard on your chest.
"Actually Tim, you got a minute? There's something else I wanted to talk to you about."
You took a step back. "Oh? Um, sure, what's up?" Doctor Kerry had a serious look on his face, if anything, he looked anxious. Was there something else he wanted to tell you?
Doctor Kerry took a moment to look around the room and turned his attention back to you. "I just wanted to check up on you. You were in a very serious accident so I wanted to see how you were holding up."
A bit confused, you tried to assure him that you were fine, explaining that you were still feeling sore in some places, but he started shaking his head. “No, no, that’s… that’s not what I meant. Physically, I know you're healthy.” Doctor Kerry took a brief moment and sighed. "I mean… how are you doing mentally? I could tell back in Randall’s room that something was bothering you."
You were stunned, was it really that obvious? You were trying to hide your discomfort in front of Randall, but it seems Doctor Kerry could clearly tell something was off about you. Deciding that there was no point in trying to hide it anymore, you broke down in front of Doctor Kerry.
"I, umm, well, I think I'm still trying to process everything. Things are changing so fast, m-my life is going to be so much different going forward, I-I just don't know how to feel right now. I'm grateful you were able to save Randall's life, but seeing Allison like that and knowing that it’s not really her? How am I supposed to live with that?!” Your voice cracked at the mere mention of Allison and you began to tear up again. “She's gone... I just wish... things could have ended up differently."
Doctor Kerry had a somber look on his face. "Tim, it's understandable how you feel right now. You lost a close friend of yours in the accident. It's hard to come to terms with what happened and I agree with you, I wish things could have ended up differently.” He walked up to you and placed his hand on your shoulder. “I know it’s not ideal, but this was the best thing we could do for them. I’m sorry it had to end up this way. Take some time alone to clear your thoughts, but please don't blame Randall for this. This wasn't his doing."
You turned your head and looked away, you couldn't muster a response. Of course you didn’t blame Randall for this, he didn’t cause the accident and he certainly wouldn’t have taken Allison’s body if he had the choice. You were appreciative of what Doctor Kerry was trying to do, but you don't think you could ever get over Allison's death.
"When you get home, please take some time alone to process your emotions. Here, take this. ” Doctor Kerry reaches into his pocket and hands you a card. You looked down at the card, it contained his full name as well as a phone number at the bottom. “This is my private phone number, if there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to give me a call. I'm more than happy to lend an ear".
It wasn’t a bad idea, Doctor Kerry being one of the only people who actually knows the truth about Randall. He seemed like he genuinely cared about your well being. If you needed someone to talk to, he was the best person to come to. You weren’t sure when, or if you would ever call him, you appreciated the offer regardless. You put the card in your pocket and looked back up at him. "Thank you sir, for saving Randall's life, for everything. I'll be sure to contact you if it comes to it"
He smiled and gave you a pat on the back. "Of course, it's my job after all. Again, I’m really sorry about Allison, I could tell the two of you were very close." Checking the watch on his wrist, he continued, "Anyways, I just wanted to check up on you before you head out. Your family is probably dying to see you so I won't hold you up anymore"
You thanked him again and quickly made your exit. Closing the door behind you, you find yourself walking through the empty halls of the hospital yet again. The sound of your footsteps echoes throughout the halls as each step you take hits the floor. The conversation you had with Doctor Kerry kept replaying in your head. This can’t be real. You thought to yourself. Checking your surroundings, you stopped before a corner and slumped against the wall, thinking to yourself of how different your life is going to be from now on.
Your house was going to feel a lot quieter without Randall’s presence. Even if he came over as Allison, his outgoing and energetic personality was not going to be present if your family was kept in the dark. Not to mention how boring school was going to be without him. Frequently telling you stories and making dumb jokes of other students, Randall had been your source of entertainment at school. The two of you had even picked matching classes and would walk together in between classes. Things would have to be different now, especially since you didn’t have any classes with Allison this year, although a part of you is glad that you didn’t. Given the current circumstances, you weren’t sure if you could ever see Randall in the same way again, only being a constant reminder of Allison’s death.
“This school year is going to fucking suck isn’t it”. You mumbled to yourself. Pushing yourself off the wall, you sighed and continued your way to the front lobby.
After navigating yourself through what felt like an endless hallway, you soon find yourself at the door to the lobby area. Looking through the window, you saw what appeared to be your mother crying and your father consoling her. Your mom was probably worried sick about you and it looked like your dad was trying his best to comfort her. You close your eyes and take one last deep breath. This is it, you tell yourself. From this point forward, your lie begins. You open the door in front of you and walk towards your family. Allison Lowry is alive and Randall Davis is dead.   indicates the next chapter needs to be written. |
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