Dr. Kripps visited my brother in the hospital with me. I told my brother that he was just one more specialist that needed to take a few samples. The doctor acquired what he needed. Within a week my brother was dead and I was devastated. Remarkably, Elaine seemed relatively unaffected by Franklin’s passing. She even brought up the idea that she might not attend his funeral but backtracked when she saw my reaction.
I mourned for weeks without leaving my home. Not bothering to bathe, or even eat some days. I was a mess. I feared at one point that I’d never recover but I slowly started getting back to my routine. Eventually I gave in to Elaine’s continual phone calls pestering me to come see her, and still burdened with a heavy heart, I left my home and met her at her apartment. I was struggling with more than grief. I was also dealing with the fear and guilt of attempting to toy with nature’s original design and bring a part of Franklin back. Elaine just considered my odd behavior to be a part of my grieving process. She did ask me whether Franklin’s death had any effect on my portfolio and then seemed relieved when I told her that our business affairs were separate and my estate was perfectly intact. The fact that she even asked such a question angered me. We viciously argued that night. Then I told her that I hadn’t slept well and feared that I was coming down with a bug and we managed to take back some of the things we had said to each other. We ended the night in her bedroom. I couldn’t tell her about what was really on my mind, about the chimera that was being created.
I arrived at GBC Biotherapeutics still a little uncertain whether what I’d done had been a good idea. But the deed was done. I had conspired in this warped resurrection. I was certain that I had made a sound business decision and that I was going to make a sizeable fortune with my investment in the company but the thought of being responsible for creating a new being was so nerve-racking that I nearly ordered them to terminate the fetus. But I knew I couldn’t do that. Not with it containing all that was left of my brother.
The chimera had been alive for several weeks when Dr. Kripps had called and informed me that I could come to the facility and pick him up. He carried the chimera in his arms and an assistant accompanying him carried an animal cage meant for transport. I shook the doctor’s hand and then examined the chimera. As soon as our eyes met I felt shivers down my spine. He had Franklin’s eyes and more. They seemed to reveal Franklin’s soul. As the doctor handed him over to me he stared straight into me my eyes as if he knew me.
“You look uneasy, Charles. I assure you that he’s not going to bite you. He’s much too bright for that, and besides, it’s not in his personality. Didn’t you describe your brother as a confirmed pacifist when we first met? A kind and gentle heart unmatched, is how I believe you put it. Go ahead, Charles, hug him. Get to know him. Go ahead and love him.”
I continued gazing into his eyes – my brother’s eyes - and I felt a tear escaping mine. I pulled him close and embraced him.
I took the chimera home. I had driven myself to the clinic, opting out of my usual car service. Now I struggled to find a parking spot within a reasonable distance of my building. I gave up and parked the car illegally and called for my assistant to take care of it. I could see that the Chimera wanted to walk. They had given me a leash along with other effects intended for him but I couldn’t see putting it on him. I wasn’t sure how much of him was dog but I knew he needed to be treated with dignity. I set him on the ground and we walked together. The chimera made every turn as if he knew exactly where we were going – like he could read my mind – or more accurately, like he’d been there before.
We reached the penthouse and exited the elevator into my hallway where we were immediately assaulted by Mrs. Livingston’s poodle. The chimera did everything it could to avoid tangling with the vicious animal, desperately trying to climb my leg, but he got bitten on the ear pretty badly. Mrs. Livingston called her dog back to her apartment angrily and then gave a half-hearted apology that included the phrase, “neither of us really had our dogs on a leash.”
I felt guilty for reacting so slowly and letting him get hurt. Franklin had never been much of a fighter and he was visibly shaken by the event. I did my best to dress the wound while he cried. It was so strange hearing him cry – just like my brother always had. Instinctively, I prepared our favorite lunch for him, grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, just like our mother used to do for us when we were young and had had a bad day. That seemed to cheer him up quickly. I have a balcony that overlooks the city, complete with a fireplace and an entertainment system that was professionally modified to withstand outdoor conditions. We sat outside on the couch, enjoying the glorious sunshine, and watched TV. He nudged me whenever he wanted me to change the channel. I was feeling extremely comfortable with him – familiar. And very happy that I’d made the decision not to terminate him.