After all the work you put into this, I knew that it would all be a waste if we couldn’t move to human trials.

The government would take years to approve those, if ever.

But you are in the perfect position to be the example.

You have no close ties,

no one will miss you and you’ve already provided what would probably be your best contribution to the scientific world.”

Dr. Tyler spoke with real passion,

it was as though Eric was not a person to her,

but just another mouse awaiting her experimentation.

Well, Eric was not going to let her do that.

“No. I won’t do it.

Don’t you understand that it would cause total, irreversible regression to infancy?

I’d spend the next year laying in a pool of my own spittle and pee!

I can’t do that.”

“Now, now, Eric aren’t you always talking about sacrifice, about greatness.

You have the chance to give the medical world a huge breakthrough.

All it requires is you sacrifice one thing, your mind.”

Eric fought back another spell of lightheadedness,

fighting to remain focused even as his mind wanted to wander.

“Look this is unethical, we can’t do it.

I’m sorry but my answer is no.”

Dr. Tyler chuckled to herself

. “Your answer? Honey when did I ever ask you to volunteer?

Tell me how do you feel right now, this is very important,”

she said, taking out her notepad and pen, going into scientist mode, detached from the situation.

Eric felt his pulse quicken, goosebumps rise on his arms.

“Why, what do you mean?”

Impatiently Dr. Tyler asked,

“How do you feel now? How is your head feeling?”

Eric blinked, fogginess was returning, the alertness the shock of her appearance had brought was disappearing.

“I feel very strange.

My head tingles a lot and I’m, um, sort of… I… I don’t remember, what did you ask?”

Eric felt lost,

he had been talking about something very important just a moment ago and now he had no idea what.

“What’s happening?” he pleaded, feeling increasing anxiety.

“Don’t worry about things Eric you’re going to get to do things all over again dear.

Soon you won’t have a care in the world.

After all the work you’ve put in you certainly deserve a rest, a nice long holiday for your brain.

It won’t be so bad, I have a nice lady who just can’t wait to be your mummy.”