"Well, good morning!"
Dr. Horton was all smiles, looking fresh and well rested when he finally returned around eight a.m. the next day. What he discovered truly surprised him. The boy's appearance was normal, and his dark eyes even twinkled when the two were formally introduced by a slightly disheveled but revitalized Dr. Cooper.
"Hi, Doc!" Mike mumbled cheerfully through a mouthful of scrambled eggs. He waved his fork.
"How are you feeling this morning?" Horton asked, staring in disbelief at the person he could hardly believe had been practically dead for twelve hours.
"Great!" Mike replied, swallowing, "But I sure am hungry! Got any more of this stuff around to spare?"
"But son, that was your third helping! You ought to rest awhile, or you'll make yourself sick," Cooper protested.
"I-I DON'T think so," Mike firmly disagreed, with a far-away look.
Cooper gave Horton an exasperated glance.
"Don't be so worried," Horton whispered. "There may be some reason for this we don't understand at the moment."
To cover up their speculations, Cooper sighed heavily. "God!" he said to no one in particular, "What will ever become of this younger generation? They're always getting their own way!"
Mike laughed.
"Don't panic, son, I'll order up another plate of those eggs for you in a jiffy!" Cooper turned to the phone.
"Thanks, Doc!"
While Cooper phoned the cafeteria, Dr. Horton went to the machines, then to the young man in the bed. Since Mike was finished with his recent meal, he pushed the bedside stand away, and got him to lie back for a quick exam. There was no sign of protest. There was such a peaceful, indescribable feeling of loving innocence that enveloped Mike now. Dr. Horton wondered if what had caused this transformation with him was proper. Would Mike ever be able to fight back in a tight situation, or had he become too "perfect" for his own good?
"Why all the checks, Doc? I'm getting kind of worried. Is there something really wrong with me?"
"Just routine exams, Michael. No need to worry. You had a horrible accident yesterday.