Dr Hearth labor of the documents on his desk, frustrated he throw it across the room. He rakes his hands through his hair. (This doesn't make any sense.) He crumbles a piece of paper in his hands. (Where is it coming from?) A hand reaches up to remove his glasses. He falls back into his chair and closes his eyes.

“Care to talk about it?”

He looks up to see Strata standing in the doorway. “Anything I can help with?”

“I’m afraid not. There are too many questions. I don’t even know where to start.”

She takes a seat in the chair across from him. “Then why don’t we take a moment to think about the most important question first and work our way from there.” She noticed his hesitation. “I said it from the beginning we are all on the same team. We need Kile alive and well. Given the situation there is not many you can brainstorm with. I may not know anything about medicine, but I do know reasoning.” She pulls out a pad. “I can help you think tank this mess with you and leave the rest in your hands. ”

“The main issue is the infection.” He voice conceding to her strong logic. “If I can find the source of the infection I can prevent any more damage and risk. But first I need to find out how it is even being introduced. I have okay all the people who are allowed near him. So either someone is unconsciously introducing it to him or somebody I hand picked has chosen to betray.”

“That’s logical. So we just need to figure out who it is right? Well that’s in the realm of people. Leave it to me, after I find them you can take over.” She pulled back her chair to leave put pauses after the first step. “Let me ask you? Why are you invested in a person you have never truly met.”

His eyes falls on a key sitting in a candy dish bowl full of marble. “ He makes me remember a time when I too felt a little lost in the wind. I guess you can say that I empathize with him a little.” He broke is trance to refocus on Strata. “Why do you ask? Are you suspecting me now?”

“I wouldn’t be doing my part if I didn’t at least check the very doctor handling his care. I’m sure you’ve had you doubt about me.” She counters.

“I admit I have, but it’s hard to doubt somebody so straight forward. Then again your career is public relations. You’re trained to hand people and convince them of your version of the truth. ”

“Ouch. Sounds harsh, but yeah that about right. So what cleared me?”

“You are to forceful, you mind has only one focus right now.”

“Do tell.”

“That is waking him up. You are fierce about it like an older sister. You even know his current friends. That tells me you two has a close relationship.”

A slow smile appears on her face. “You are good, doctor, very good. ”

Kile was walking along the ponds watching the ducklings swim and play about in the water. (Why haven’t I heard Jared’s voice yet. Did something happen to him.) “Did you abandon me too? ” He walks back to the house to find Steve sitting at an outdoor table. “Hey Steve, How are you?”

“I’m fine, but you are not looking so good. You want to share your troubles? I’m willing to listen.”

He considered for a second but changed his mind. “No point, it’s a mess in my head too. How can it make sense to someone outside of it.”

He chuckles. “That’s the great thing about life and living. Often what we perceive as one thing may actually be another. Even that can change over the course of time.”

Kile smirks. “I guess you have a point there. Maybe what doesn’t make sense will have more foundation if I speak it out. Right?”

“Bingo. Why don’t you sit here of some of this cider and spill it.” He pours two glasses and hands one over.

He takes a sip, instantly feeling a lot better. “Wow, this stuff is great.”

“That’s good old Vitamins C coursing through our veins. They are from the best apples planted by me. You can’t find any better.”

Kile smiles taking another sip. “I don’t know how I am supposed to work toward my goals. When I have been pretty much benched.” he pauses to take another sip. “I started this trip to take a step forward, but I am afraid I am only taking several steps backwards. I even lost my friend along the way. ”

He nods as the young man finishes. “I understand. That sounds rough. However, I don’t think you’re giving yourself enough credit. You seem to only care about action and results. You not giving yourself any credit.”

“What credit do I have in this condition?”

“Credit for trying, perceiving and most importantly not giving up” He reaches out to squeeze his shoulder lightly. “You have to believe in yourself a little more. I think you got a lot more strength then you realize.”

“Thanks Steve. It’s good having you to talk too.”

“Anytime. You free to stay around as long as you like. Hey. You want to go for another ride?”

Kile jumps up. “You bet. let’s g-” the world starts to shift before him and every thing darkens to black.

“Kid! Hey Kid!” Are Steve’s word that drift further and further away.