Week 5: Wednesday
Not only had the tail had grown completely by this point, but the changes were spreading. Or more accurately, they had started elsewhere on me and spread out from those many points. Ears almost gone, just a pair of small holes where they used to be hidden behind the hair that remained (for now), and fine cracks forming over my skin.
It had only been about a week since I’d finally managed to look at the report given to me from the doctor I was seeing weekly now. And only now did I know just what I was doomed to become, to spend the rest of my life as.
Week 5: Saturday
“A WHAT!?” Chris actually jumped back a little.
“A snake. Not sure which one specifically right now.” I managed, the completed tail making sitting kinda uncomfortable, not as much as Chris though, given his mild ophidiophobia.
“That’s nasty.” Lara being able to sympathise, as she had not only contracted the Virus herself, but it manifested in her now based on her slightly Pantherine face.
“Yeah.” I had to agree. “How long before I lose these?” I muttered more to myself than the others, staring at my hands.
How much longer before they shrivelled away to nothing? And I had to crawl around on my belly?
Week 6: Tuesday
My appointment with the doctor, now factored into my college schedule to make these regular appointments possible without impacting on m coursework, for all the good it would do…
How could she do her desired job, or any job? If she couldn’t manipulate keyboards, paperwork, or the likes?
“Helen, I have the latest results.” The doctors voice cut through her mental anguish. “We’ve now determined the precise species you’re set to become.”
“And?”
“Python. Burmese.” She paused to let me take it in. “That said, there may be some small hope left.”
“What’s that?” She must have noted my lack of enthusiasm when she sighed, but pressed on.
“The various pharmaceutical companies were tasked with developing a counter-agent, a retro-virus to this particular strain. They, did have to be seen to at least be trying to do something about it after all. And now there’s some news on that front.”
“And that would be?” Now my interest was piqued, something that could stop it?
“They’ll be ready to begin the trials early next week, so forms of consent and disclaimers were distributed. If you’re willing, your name can be added to it. And if it works, it will stop it from advancing further, first by killing the virus itself, then stabilisation and prevention of further mutation of the cell structure.
“If?”
“Yes, if. It might take time to work, and you'd advance further until it does, or it may not work at all. But,” She cut off further questioning with a raised hand. “There is still the chance, versus the all-but-assured no chance if not taken.”
“So, these are the forms in question.” She passed over the documents, which I accepted, with only the slightest hesitation. “But if you decide to go ahead with the trial, I’ll need it completed and returned no later than Friday Morning so your name can be on the List in time for its beginning.”