The Interviews

When Peyton returned a few days later for the following interview, it was just the doctor and her, as expected. And then the doctor sprang a helluva surprise on her. “Here’s the next phase of the experiment that I wasn’t allowed to tell you about earlier.” Peyton eyed her curiously, waiting for her to continue. “Oh, and what will that be?” “Remember, you have the right to back out at any time. You are not committed in any way whatsoever.” “I know that.” “So I want you to please feel free to know that you can take your time and think it over for a day or two if you’d like.” “What do you need me to do?” “Go to the hospital.” Peyton blinked in bewilderment. “What? Why the hospital?” The doctor flashed her bright smile and said, “What we want to do next is ask a series of random questions not necessarily related to your personal life in a controlled environment.” “I still don’t understand.” Another smile and then, “It would be a regular hospital like the one you would go to if you get sick or injured. It would be a small clinic associated with the hospital. It would look similar to a hospital and everyone on your floor would be part of the experiment as well.” “I still don’t get the experiment or why I would go to a clinic. I mean, can’t the same questions be asked and answered anywhere?” “Yes, they can. The key is to see if the environment affects not just your answers, but also the way you answer things.” “Oh,” said Peyton, still unsure of things. “How long would I be there?” “We specifically have those who work at home or who are retired to participate in this experiment so that they don’t have to miss work from a job outside of the home. You would only spend about four days and three nights in the clinic.” Peyton thought about it. She hated to leave home in case there was any word on Jon’s whereabouts. “Could I have my cell phone with me?” “Absolutely. Patients can have anything they want except for pets, of course, and we also ask that you plan on not having any friends or family visit. It’s very important to stay focused on the interviews and the task at hand.” “But what would I be doing when I wasn’t being interviewed? I mean, certainly, I’m not going to be asked questions all day long, am I?” The doctor laughed. “No, you will be asked at separate times throughout the day and they will usually just be about a few dozen questions at a time. Some will be as simple as your favorite colors, while others may be more personal. You can skip those if you feel the need to.” “Hmm…” said Peyton, still unsure of what she should do. “In your free time, you can do whatever you like. There are TVs in each room, a lounge, and a beautiful courtyard to get plenty of fresh air in.” “Do we have our own rooms?” The doctor nodded. “For sure. But patients can feel free to interact with others.” “Is it co-ed?” “No, your wing is all-female. The males are on another floor.” “All you need to do is bring your regular medication and expect a compensation payment.” “What will that be?” “Twenty-five hundred dollars.” “Now you’re getting awfully tempting.” The doctor chuckled. “Ok, I’m in. When do we begin?”