The Interviews

Peyton floated through a series of sounds and visions that may or may not have been real. For all she knew, they were just dreams. Dreams of Tracy. But then the cobwebs slowly faded, and she was certain that the image of the pleasant-looking woman standing by her bedside was indeed real. “Hello, Peyton.” She spoke with a smile that was a mix of concern laced with empathy. There was also an element of hope in it as well. Peyton tried to blink the blurriness from her vision as she struggled to sit upright. “W-what happened?” “It’s going to be ok,” Tracy explained as she placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “They just weren’t about what they said they were about, unfortunately.” “What do you mean?” “Well, they—” Tracy suddenly stopped talking because the doctor, tall and dark, entered the room at that second. “Good evening, Peyton. I’m Doctor Mohan. How are you feeling?” “She just woke up,” said Tracy. “What’s going on?!” Peyton demanded. “Shhh, relax. It’s ok. You’re safe here,” the doctor assured her as Tracy patted her shoulder again. Peyton was now wide-eyed with confusion and fear. “It’s a very unfortunate situation, but the experiment has been put to a stop, and the doctors involved are under investigation.” Peyton's mind whirled. The confusion, the forgetfulness, her devices disappearing… “They did something to me, didn’t they?” The doctor nodded grimly. “I’m afraid they did. Doctor Ardeno, as well as a few other doctors and nurses, were testing a drug they’d developed. Or were trying to develop, anyway.” “Drug? What drug?” “It was a drug to alter memories.” “Alter memories? Why in the world would they want to develop that?” The doctor shrugged. “I wish I could tell you, but who knows what really motivates people to do such things? There could be many reasons, but I think only they can ever really know the answer to that.” Peyton took a moment to digest the doctor’s words. “The good news is that you won’t be permanently affected physiologically by anything they did to you.” Peyton eyed the doctor intently. “But what about my memories? Are any of them altered, as you put it?” The doctor smiled. “I wouldn’t know, I’m afraid. I can’t say I know you well enough to say what memories are real and what isn't.” Peyton's head swung toward Tracy. Tracy smiled and squeezed the top of her hand in a comforting gesture. “Tracy here says she’s worked with you before, and she’s agreed to be available to help you sort anything out that may need to be worked out.” With tear-filled eyes, Peyton thanked Tracy gratefully. “There is some good news, however.” “Yes?” Peyton asked, turning to look at the doctor once again. “Any updates on my husband?” “Uh, no, ma’am. But we have located your phone and laptop.” “Oh, good. I’m relieved to hear that.” “Can’t guarantee the information on them is still intact or if any sensitive material has been seen and possibly stolen, but we’ve got them in that locker right over there.” The doctor turned and motioned toward it with his head. “I’m glad to hear that much because I really need to call my neighbors and let them know what’s going on.” “We’ve already been in touch with them since they’re on your emergency contact list, as is your sister in Florida.” “Oh, thank you,” Peyton said with relief. “Your sister’s too ill to travel, but said she’s eager to hear from you as soon as you can call her.” “Oh, I will. Again, thank you for thinking of these things.” Both health professionals smiled. “Then again…” “Yes?” the doctor asked, eyebrows raised. “I was supposed to be in their so-called clinic for three nights and four days beginning on the ninth. How much time has passed?” “It’s now the twenty-second.” “Oh, my God,” gasped Peyton with shock… and anger. “I want every single one of their asses served to me on a silver platter.” The doctor smiled with understanding, and Tracy rubbed her arm with a somewhat amused expression on her face. “I hear you,” said the doctor. “Unfortunately, the police suspect your old doctors could have something to do with your husband’s disappearance as well. There were a few other married people they used as part of the same experiment, and their spouses have also vanished without a trace.” Peyton was both angry and confused. “But why not just use singles?” The doctor shrugged. “I wish I could answer that one for you, and while most of them were single, they must’ve found something in you and the other married people that suited their experiment.” Tears burned her eyes at the realization that Jon was probably dead.