A dying man seeks his estranged son for closure when a scientific discovery offers new hope.
The Teen Action
LELAND is full of life, dancing in clubs with a girl on each arm. His fire-red sports car is not new but still attracts attention. The hot spot tonight has a dance contest with a $500 prize. So he’s wearing himself out beneath the flickering lights from a disco ball in a crowded, dim hall. The pulsating bass and loud percussion are deafening.
Female dance partners make all sorts of promises if he splits the winnings. One by one, the other contestants drop. After exhausting himself, Leland holds up the check for applause, and he collapses on the floor, awakening the next morning in a dingy hotel with an empty wallet.
An Estranged Family
Picture-perfect families raise children with an abundance of love in a warm home with caring parents. Leland’s family life couldn’t be further from the ideal.
His teen dance contest bore a secret son named Bryan, not disclosed until Leland was in his 50s. By then, the paternal bonds were gone, and phone calls were unanswered.
Now in his 60s, Leland is living with a six-month time clock by his doctor’s estimate. In a desperate attempt to make amends, he uses every avenue available.
A private detective promises a response to registered letters, social media posts, or phone calls. After a few precious weeks, there’s a reply on his phone.
“Hello, Leland. This is Bryan. What’s so urgent?”
“Bryan, it’s good to hear your voice. This is your father.”
“According to you.”
Leland’s mind gushes with details about the circumstances of Bryan’s conception that might kindle a bond. Yet, his throat tightens with his son’s terse responses. “I know there’s no way to replace childhood memories….”
“Is that all you wanted to say?”
“No. I’m hoping to… see you at least once. Do you have any children?”
“I have a wife and kids. Let me think about it. I need to go.”
The phone call ends abruptly with Leland wondering if that’s the extent of his fatherhood. He rises from his recliner, looking at his watch. It’s time to visit a new doctor to discuss prolonging his life.
The traffic isn’t bad, but Dr. Chu is an airplane ride away. After two hours, Leland arrives in Baltimore and checks into a hotel before heading to the high-tech office.
A Promising Breakthrough
He waits alone in the lobby with overstuffed chairs, large glass window panes, high ceilings, and stainless steel accents. When the receptionist calls his name, their footsteps echo on the granite floors, past laboratories, until reaching the small private office of Dr. Chu. With a gesture to sit, the conversation begins.
“I’ve reviewed your referral and want to express my sorrow over your prognosis.”
“Thank you, but airfare isn’t required for condolences.”
“Of course. You want viable options, and I have one.”
“That’s what I want to hear.”
“Scientists are seeing remarkable advances with modified DNA. In some cases, it can train your body to reverse tumor growth. In others, it can replicate a healthier person’s life.”
“Do I just pick an option?” Leland asks, glibly.
“You are a candidate for exchanging DNA with someone healthier and younger.”
“What do you mean by exchange?”
“The donor would experience your fate while you live in his place.”
“You’re kidding. Right?”
“I wouldn’t have you fly out here for jokes or suppositions.”
“Why would this person give up a good life?”
“It’s generally one of two reasons. Either the donor is selfless or unaware.”
Quirking a smile, Leland responds in disbelief, “I didn’t see a line of donors in the waiting room. Who do you have in mind?”
“A relative is best, possibly a son.”
The word “son” stings like a slap in the face, driving the conversation into darkness as Leland considers his only offspring. He buries his head in one sweaty palm while taking deep breaths as the doctor patiently awaits a reply.
“There’s no way my son would trade places.”
“That’s a problem for many. Some patients suggest a DNA test.”
“How does that help?” Leland asks, his mind racing with fidgeting hands. “Could I get some water, please?”
Dr. Chu stands slowly to pour some from a glass pitcher into a ceramic cup he extends before sitting. “Mind you, I’m not recommending it, but a DNA test, whether paternity or otherwise, comes with a contract similar to the consent required to switch DNA.”
Leland gulps quickly, saying, “So you get them to sign away their DNA under pretenses.”
“No, not me. It might be the decision of a desperate patient.”
“What happens to the donor after the switch?”
“The DNA switch does not alter the physical appearance of either participant. The survivor possesses a combination of two persons’ memories.”
“Let me get this straight. My grandchildren would become… my children?”
“Yes.”
“And my daughter-in-law would become… my wife?”
“If one exists.”
“Is that even legal?”
While reaching into the drawer of his stainless steel desk for paperwork, Dr. Chu says, “The laws vary across state lines. Here in Baltimore, our contract is binding.” This is the paperwork the donor needs to sign. He will then visit a lab near him for the DNA exchange.
“I need to think about this.”
“Certainly. Thanks for coming in. If I don’t hear from you within five months, your decision will be clear.”
Leland returns to his hotel, lying on his bed, pondering the ethics. He has no idea what Bryan’s life is like, but it must be better than his terminal prospects. Moral conflicts continue to plague Leland on the plane ride home, causing a sip of water to spill over him from his trembling hand.
Back home in his now less comfortable recliner, Leland’s mind runs through the logistics. He could mail the contract, though he’s uncertain it will ever return. An in-person meeting for a signature seems even less likely. The best option is to reveal his imminent death to Bryan and request a paternity test for closure. This morbid decision stirs thrashing nightmares.
“There’s no turning back if I go through with this,” he utters to himself.
As the morning sunlight shines through the dining room window, he swallows his medication with a light breakfast.
“Perhaps it’s best to just see my offspring and take comfort in a pleasant legacy. But then again, double lifetime memories would preserve us both.”
Leland places the call, apologizing for not being around and explaining his declining health. Bryan reacts with remorse, agreeing to meet and see his father in person. They arrange a date, and when Leland steps off the plane, Bryan, his wife, and two children greet him.
A Family Bond
At the large two-story house, Leland peruses photos over dinner, appreciative of the warm reception.
His gaze at a beautiful woman belies covetousness. “She could be my wife.”
The love of the children calling him Grandpa warms his heart. After the delicious meal, Leland and Bryan excuse themselves from the family. The sound of the children's laughter trails after them as they head down the hallway.
Leland’s hand lingers on the strap of his satchel. His mind races to reconcile the nightmares of betrayal that have plagued him. Visions of Bryan’s life merge with his own in an unrealistic collision of two lives. He tries to quiet the inner voices as the weight of the decision bears down on him.
Inside the study, Bryan watches him closely, the warmth from dinner replaced with a cautious distance. “What’s on your mind, Leland?”
Leland hesitates, then reaches into his satchel, pulling out the contract. It feels heavier than paper should, the consequences pressing against his conscience.
Bryan glances at the document, his expression unreadable. He shifts slightly, waiting.
“Just some paperwork,” Leland says, his voice strained, almost as if the words are reluctant to leave his mouth.
Bryan nods, and they step further into the study. As Leland closes the door behind them, the muffled sounds of the family fade, leaving only the quiet tension between father and son.
The End
Return twice weekly for miniseries. Use of this material for generative training or republication in any format without authorization is prohibited. Any relation to actual persons or events is coincidental. Login provides the most immersive experience. About 1300 total words. Educational review questions are available for ClinicalNovellas Scholar members.
