The doctors turned ashen when the ECG monitor displayed a line that stretched out on the screen, followed by the haunting sound of the flat line, proof that the little boy's heartbeat had ceased. Their expressions became grim as they glanced at Dr. Ilene, only to see her sigh,
"Another one we failed to save," she said disappointingly, before she gestured to the guards nearby,
"Clean it up."
All the doctors knew what this procedure entailed and had witnessed it many times before, but their hearts were pained every time they suffered a loss. The guards moved as they were instructed while the doctors packed up to leave.
However, the doctors were about to move when they suddenly heard a beep from the ECG machine. The beep followed a rhythm, a sinus rhythm to be accurate, as pulsating lines appeared on the monitor. The doctors naturally understood what this meant but they were surprised when they saw the pulsating lines.
"Wait don't touch him!"
Dr. Ilene shouted, causing the guards to quickly retreat.
A doctor then reported,
"His heart rate is weak, but it shows a consistent heartbeat…" said the doctor rather astoundingly.
"His vitals are weak, but they are showing signs of life," reported another doctor.
Dr. Ilene started intently at Johan in deep contemplation.
Over at the testing area, Johan was breathing weakly, barely clinging to the little strength he had. His body was currently experiencing the worst feeling of weakness he had ever felt, and though he wasn't unconscious at the moment, he could barely remain conscious and soon passed out.
~Hours Later~
Johan let out a low groan as he slowly opened his eyes. For a moment, his thoughts as well as his vision was a distorted. He then tried to get up, but a bout of pain abruptly assailed him, leaving his body void of strength.
"You shouldn't get up just yet. It'll take a while before you can get your strength back."
Dr. Ilene, who had just walked into the room calmly stated as she walked up beside him. She then placed her hand on his own,
"I know you're scared about what happened earlier, and no matter the reason, a child shouldn't be subjected to that level of pain. But you have to understand why we're doing this… it's for you to get better."
Dr. Ilene's words were soft spoken while she stroked Johan's head lovingly. However, noting that Johan said nothing and only looked at her, she smiled back,
"I tell you what, from now till you recover, I'll bring you treats for being such a strong boy. Just name anything you'd like, and I'll get it for you."
Johan's eyes gleamed with excitement but was hidden behind a tough front.
"Anything I say?"
He asked in a low tone.
"I promise. Just name it."
"Gummy bears… lots of them."
"Done. I'll get them right away."
Dr. Ilene smiled.
True to her word, Johan was almost buried in sweet, yummy goodness of chewy candy of different colors, shapes, and flavors. Dr. Ilene sat beside him wearing her usual charming smile.
"You like them?" she asked.
Johan's mouth was stuffed full of candy and could only nod which made Dr. Ilene laugh.
"I see you're recovering nicely," she said after observing Johan tear through the packs of gummy bears like a beast.
"Not really… I still feel sore all over,"
"Then how come you can eat this much candy?"
"It's gummy bears… who wouldn't like them?"
Dr. Ilene chatted with the boy for a while before leaving.
~That Night~
Dr. Ilene worked late as she always did. She was currently going through some paperwork when she heard a knock on her door.
"Come in."
A man pushed the door open and walked in. He was one of the doctors who treated Johan earlier today.
"Ilene," he called out.
"Curtis, I didn't think you'd be working late too. Please have a seat."
Dr. Curtis sat down opposite her.
"What brings you here at this time?"
Curtis hesitated for a bit before he spoke up,
"It's about what happened earlier…"
"What about it?"
Dr. Ilene replied, not putting down the task at hand.
"I think it's time we give up on this."
Dr. Ilene was silent for a moment before she replied again,
"Why do you say that?"
"Listen, I know you have a vision… a goal beyond what anyone can imagine, but using genetic enhancement to cure an illness is just too risky."
He then looked intently at her as he continued,
"I remember when you first told me about your research… I was sure you were mad. I have personally witnessed the miracles and horrifying effects of genetic enhancements on living organisms, and implementing it in this way is nothing short of insane..."
"Dr. Curtis, asides the fact that I'm insane which you've ceaselessly pointed out, are you going somewhere with this conversation?"
Dr. Ilene sounded irritated at the moment.
"All I'm trying to say is that I think we should pull back the research for now. We've spent more than a year on this and we've wasted countless resources on this… it's time we hang our coats."
Finally, Dr. Ilene put down her work.
"I didn't know you were one to hang your coat so easily."
"What I'm trying to say is…"
"I understand very well what you're trying to say, Dr. Curtis, and as my colleague I validate your opinion as well. This is my vision and my goal…"
Her voice became a lot sterner as she spoke,
"I remember when I shared my idea with you, you said it was impossible, yet you accepted my offer. You didn't have a problem with it at the beginning so why now?"
"Now I think we're wasting precious resources…"
"That has never happened under my watch. Every time we conduct that procedure, we are one step closer to creating something new, we are a step closer to giving those kids a new life. The goal isn't to just succeed but to learn in the process."
Then her voice became unkind,
"However, you're free to leave if you want to… I hope you can deal with the consequences that follow."
Dr. Curtis understood what Dr. Ilene was trying to say
"I-I didn't say I was quitting… I only wanted to confirm if we're still on the right track."
In sharp contrast to her initial expression, Dr. Ilene reverted to her usual warm smile,
"I assure you, we're doing all that is necessary. Genetic enhancement indeed comes with a lot of losses but it's not something I'm unprepared for."
This made Dr. Curtis very uncomfortable. Since his mission failed, he left the office, still conflicted.