– So this is the famous immortality pill? he asked the doctor.
– Maybe, the doctor replied.
– What do you mean, maybe?
– First, it’s a double-blind procedure. Which means that this pill might be a placebo; I don’t know myself. Second, we aren’t, of course, one hundred percent sure that the pill will work. But we believe so.
– All right, he said. Let’s say that this is the genuine pill, not the placebo. It means that I will become immortal?
– Exactly, said the doctor.
– Let me fully understand, he said. I will live forever? Really?
– Yes. Because this new molecule is able to block the process which make cells die. I can give you the biological explanation, but it’s quite technical.
He thought for a moment.
– Are there any risks? he inquired.
– Of course, said the doctor, it’s an experiment, therefore there might be side effects, like a little dizziness, headaches, diarrhea…
– If it’s the price to pay to become immortal… he said with a grin.
He wondered silently for a while.
– And what if it doesn’t work? he asked.
– You will die, of course, answered the doctor.
– What!?
– I mean, you will die in due time, when you’re old, corrected the doctor. Now, make up your mind, because we have a lot of candidates waiting.
– OK. I’ll take it.
– All right, sir, said the doctor. Please sign here.
– What is it?
– It’s just to confirm that you accept the protocol, said the doctor.
– Of course I do, he said.
He signed with such enthusiasm that he almost tore the paper.
The doctor gave him a glass of water. He looked at the pill, took a deep breath, swallowed the pill, and drank the water.
– I’m feeling all right, doctor.
– That’s what we are going to monitor.
– What do you mean?
– We need to control how your organism reacts, said the doctor.
– Of course, he said, without understanding.
– This way, please, said the doctor, opening a door at the back of the room.
He stood up and went to the door, following the doctor. There was a corridor, and another door. Behind the second door, there was a long room full of hospital beds, with a few people, men and women, lying down, sleeping, with all kinds of tubes and infusions, and computer screens beeping around them.
– What’s that? he asked.
– The monitoring room, said the doctor.
– But… but… how long are you going to keep me here?
– It depends, the doctor said. If it works…
– You mean… forever? he asked. But… no!
– You signed the protocol, sir, said the doctor with a grin.
Before he could scream, he was caught by two strong guys in white blouse, who immediately gagged him.
The last thing he saw was the needle being planted in his arm.