Chance Encounterby Oksanatranslated by Olga |
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After a thorough examination the doctor explained to Mason and Mary that the hit Mason had got caused amnesia, that in its turn triggered the appearance of the alter ego, Sonny Sprocket. “You said you made him up when you were a child,” the doctor reminded Mason. “I did,” Mason nodded. “So your brain took this turn.” “But, by what I hear, I don't like the guy as much now,” said Mason, confused. “What if he appears again?” “You need some treatment. I think a few hours of hypnosis will be enough to give you full freedom from the alter ego forever,” the doctor said with conviction. “I agree,” said Mason hastily. In the evening Mary gave Mason medicine and started to leave. “Where are you going?” Mason looked at her with plea. Mary laughed. “You behave like a child. I need to go. I'll be back in the morning, I swear.” “Stay another minute.” Mary sat down at his bedside and patted Mason's hair. “Try to sleep. Tomorrow you are going to have a hard time.” “Will you be here?” “Of course I will. How can I abandon such a difficult patient!” Mary laughed and kissed him. The very first hour of hypnosis let Mason remember the events of the passed months. Mason got a little scared, but the doctor convinced him there was no risk of Sonny coming back again. “Good,” said Mason with relief. “Or else I will lose Mary.” “Don't you want to call home?” Mary suggested when Mason was back in his ward. “If you do not know what you were doing in the last months, what do they think? They must be worried, they must be looking for you!” Mason shrugged his shoulders vaguely. “I don't know… they did not find me, maybe they were not trying to.” “How can you say this!” Mary frowned and handed Mason the phone. “Do call them.” Against his will, Mason dialed the number and waited impatiently, biting his lip. At last at the other end of the line they picked up the receiver. “Yes, I'd like to talk to C.C. Capwell, please. Tell him it's his son, Mason. What? Oh no, I – wait – no, I mean…” Mason hung up the phone and looked at Mary in bewilderment. “What?” she asked uneasily. “They hung up, they said I was dead, that I was killed two months ago.” “Oh no,” Mary cried. “You must call them again and tell them you're alive!” “They won't believe me,” Mason shook his head. “What if I call?” For a moment Mason gave it some thought and then burst out laughing. “Mary, just imagine what they will think THEN! Mary, the one they consider dead, calling to inform them that Mason they buried two months ago, is alive! We're a couple of ghosts now!” Mary smiled involuntarily. “Oh yes… you're right.” “Let's postpone it.” “Ok. Now you'll have to take in the medicine.” “Only if you kiss me,” Mason said with little devils playing in his eyes. “This is blackmail,” Mary shook her head. “You mind?” “No,” laughed Mary. “Then come here,” Mason drew her close to him. “You're my best medicine. But I will recover much sooner if I take larger doses of it,” he whispered, hiding his face in Mary's hair. |