"That's all right. Jeanie will be fine. That boy Larry- he has the worst case of nerves I ever did see, if that's all it is. But he should be back to work in a couple of days or so. My tranquilizer barely had any effect on him! Funny, he's never seemed like the high strung type. Jeanie is sleeping like a baby, but I must go check on that boy!"
"Make sure you tell Jeanie about Mike's condition. Tell them I hope to see them tomorrow, if all goes well."
"Will do, if she's awake, Matthew! Take it easy, here!"
"I plan to be here all night."
"Good luck! You know how to reach me."
In seconds Dr. Horton was gone. Dr. Cooper read over Mike's chart, then checked the machines to satisfy his own curiosity. Everything had improved now, almost back to normalcy. He studied Mike's overall appearance then stared at his chest, which again rose and fell rhythmically. His facial coloring appeared normal. Going to the right side of the bed once again, Cooper touched Mike's arm. It was as solid as his own flesh. He contemplated readying a shot to see if what they had witnessed before was an illusion, then dismissed the idea, not wishing to waste unnecessary medications. Suddenly, Mike lit up with a soft light that just seemed to surround his body for an instant, then disappear. Cooper rubbed his eyes, thinking it was an illusion caused by his own worry. He sat down again in his uncomfortable chair, to re-read his notes and wait. It was nine p.m..
It was an hour later when Dr. Cooper felt something was happening. He had drifted off to sleep again, and was having a strange dream. In the dream, he was witnessing Mike's accident all over again, but in slow motion. He tossed around a little in his chair. Then, in his dream, he saw Jeanie standing beside him in a wedding gown. It was the most beautiful one he'd ever seen! She was smiling up at him and he was wearing the clothes of a groom. Then, Jeanie was kissing him before a church altar. After the kiss she stepped back.
"What about Mike?" Cooper heard himself say in the dream.
"Mike?" she asked in return, with a look of great question on her pretty face. "I don't know anyone named Mike."
Then in his dream, the form of the minister vanished and the shadowy form of Mike Montaine, enveloped in fog, approached him out of the darkness beyond the altar. Jeanie seemed to be unaware of his presence, but Cooper could see him, and hear him speak.
"She does not yet know me, but I am to be your new son, Mike Montaine. I am the invisible new hope for the universe."
In the dream Cooper went to touch Mike's arm, but when he reached for him, he was gone. Just the fog remained. He called and called to Mike, but no answer came. He was in a panic.