Page 130 of The Cute Psycho

"I know. And yet I am here trying it as a last resort."

I'll be the first one to protest that it's not even a science, as it doesn't have the core characteristic of replicability for it to be deemed a proper science. But a desperate man would do anything.

And I find myself increasingly desperate.

Who knows, tomorrow I may kneel in front of a weeping icon.

Weirder things have happened.

"I'm glad you understand it. I'd like to suggest an age regression for your issue, and after that we'll assess and move forward accordingly."

Dr. Reese goes through the procedure, detailing everything that will happen. I just nod, still a little skeptical, but pushing through at this point.

He instructs me to settle down in a relaxed position, and use his voice as a guide.

Closing my eyes, I do what he says, letting my mind relax and follow his words.

"Deep breaths," I think I hear him say as he instructs me to regulate my breathing, his words having a soporific effect on me.

A blackness paints itself in my mind, everything else falling away. My body slows down, its functions almost on standby.

"Move backwards." His voice sounds like an echo in the distance. "You are now seven years old."

He speaks some more, the blackness in front of me distorting as light pushes through cracks. I shield my eyes, and it's like the ceiling is disintegrating, pieces of black glass falling on me.

And then I fall.

28

VLAD

My back hits a solid surface, my eyes snapping open as I take in my surroundings.

"Scalpel," I hear someone say as my pupils adjust to the light directed on me. Moving my head to the side, I see a man. His face is hidden by the shadows, but he's wearing scrubs, his gloved hands holding a scalpel as he leans over my body.

For the first time, I dare to look down, my eyes widening as I note my chest wide open, my ribs in full view. The doctor takes the scalpel, cutting tissue away, and yet I barely feel any pain.

"See," I hear a voice. "He's awake and not a sound. I think it's working."

"This is..." another voice joins in, and I see another figure on the sidelines as he walks around the surgical bed, looking at me in wonder.

"Tell me, my little miracle, does it hurt?" the doctor cutting asks me, his hand tenderly brushing across my cheek. My eyes are unblinking as I stare at him, slowly forming out ano.

"See, my little wonder is already miles ahead of the others," he speaks, his hand still working inside my body.

"I understand now why you won't let us touch him," the other grunts, clearly displeased.

"Of course." The doctor scowls. "Where would I find another perfect specimen like him?" He turns abruptly toward the other.

I'm still dazed, the entire situation seemingly surreal as I feel an emptiness inside of me that's spreading all over my body.

"Fuck you, Miles. You know what you promised us..." The words become a buzzing in my ear.

"You have enough to choose from, for fuck's sake. This is revolutionary! You can always get your dick wet but this..." He points toward me. "His ability to withstand pain is unheard of. Why, he's the only one capable of this out of the batch. His sister is not even close, and they're twins." He shakes his head. "I don't know what it is about him but..."

I blink once and the entire scene changes. I don't know how old I am, but I feel old beyond my age...

I'm in a cell, and Vanya is huddled by my side, her entire body quivering as she tries to hold on to me for some heat.

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