You're a very special person! Not to frighten you, you understand, but I have reason to believe no one else would have survived it."
"Oh," he sort of half gasped, and moaned. "Then I must be in pretty bad shape!"
"No, not at all. Tell me EXACTLY how you feel."
Mike took a few deep breaths and thought a moment, his pupils active and bright. "Why, fine!" he replied, staring at Horton.
Dr. Cooper was finished with his call, and rejoined his friends, so The Chief Physician's answer was only an affirmative nod, and a smile. Mike's confused stare was turned to his 'adopted' father.
"All set!" Cooper grinned. "The cafeteria will send up your order right away. But they only had leftovers. Breakfast cooking is finished for the morning. Sorry!"
"Oh, that's fine," the boy acknowledged. He appeared engrossed in thought, staring at the foot of his bed.
"Cheer up, son!" Dr. Cooper told him, thinking he was disappointed about the announcement.
"I want to know everything that happened to me, and everything that's wrong with me NOW!" Mike ordered.
"You will. Soon you must tell us everything you remember about the accident, if it doesn't make you ill to recall it. Now, you just need your rest. You will know everything, in good time."
Horton's bedside manner was strained, but kept as professional as possible as he faced the new situation. He put Mike's stand back before him, as he noticed the kitchen worker entering with his new tray. The boy's gaze focused on him once again. He could seem to feel his eyes piercing his brain. The feeling with this wasn't hostile, but questioning, as if Mike was searching so hard for answers he was trying to read men's minds. Could Mike somehow have gained that power? The doctor immediately called on his psychic training, and set up a mental block in his mind to repel any possible psychic probe. He watched his patient's expression closely, from the corners of his eyes. Mike blinked, brought his head back to his pillow and shook it, sharply. To the doctor this was confirmation of his suspicions.
Cooper noticed this action, and swiftly went to his side.
"Oh, son, I hope you're all right! Did your headache come back? You don't feel sick after all, do you?"
"No, no need to fuss over me. I just don't understand- I feel fine, but so DIFFERENT! I can't explain it. I'm so confused! Oh, just won't someone tell me something about what's happened to me? Please, Doc?..."
"All right, here," Cooper soothed, "eat what you can and I'll be back soon. I just have to check on a few things