To See What Could Be Seen

"Week 4, day 2. 'Well sir...' Dr. Andrews said with a sigh. 'I'm sorry to say that things are bad now... but they'll get worse.'
I looked back over my shoulder to look at Viper. She had positioned herself at the door to make sure no one came in during this examination. I saw the fear and sadness on her face just before she put on a little smile.
'You found a tooth in your arm after you fought past the Zombies to get to us, and you assumed the worst. Unfortunately for you, the worst thing you could have imagined is becoming the truth,' continued the doctor. 'It seems as though because of the size of the puncture and the fact that it was only one tooth and not the complete jaw, it'll will be a slow transformation. I can't say how slow... But I believe you might have around two or three weeks.'
'That long? Well if you're telling me this, that must mean you don't have a cure.' Looking across the room to where Dr. Andrews sat, occasionally clenching an unclenching his fists. I took a breath and steadied myself. 'Doctor, please. You don't need to be so nervous. I don't bite, you know.'
Dr. Andrews' eyes immediately became as round as saucers and I knew my attempt at humour had failed just like the others. 'No! Of course not!' he stammered quickly. 'It's just... Well honestly look at this situation.' Flinging his arms up in despair and letting his head hang. 'It's just that I wish you weren't going to kill me for telling you what you already knew.'
This time it was Viper's and my turn to bulge our eyes. 'Wait what? What do you mean kill you?' She asked.
Andrews didn't even look up at us as he spoke. 'You're going to kill me because I know your secret. That's how it always went in the movies.'
Relaxing with the understanding of his train of thought, I slowly walked over to him and laid a hand on his shoulder. 'Well it's a good thing that this isn't the movies then isn't it, my good doctor?' He looked up slowly with confusion and hope in his eyes. 'We're not going to kill you. You can help the people in this bunker better with a pulse.' And to make sure he got the lighter tone I was trying to set, I winked at him with a smile. 'Honestly, all I want you to do is not tell anyone...' Leaning over to whisper in his ear, 'I'll be gone soon anyways. I promise.'
Straightening myself and pulling the doctor up with me to make it look like I'd meant to help him up, we both started walking towards the door. 'That's right,' affirmed Viper. 'Just keep your good ol' doctor patient confidentiality and we'll all be just fine.'
As we left the doctors office I turned us towards the mess hall. 'Finally feel like seeing your troops huh?' Viper said, looking at me from the corner of her eyes.
'Not really. Just need to see my brothers for a bit.'
'Oh... Want me to leave you guys alone?'
'No. I want you there with me.' I dug deeply into my pocket and pulled out a small match box. Shaking it lightly, the tooth rattled merrily in it's confines. 'They deserve to know. And heck... I haven't hidden anything from them yet. Now that I know the truth... It's time they did too.'
Emerging into the mess hall and spotting my brothers sitting with my sister and parents, I changed course to head towards them.
'Well... You know I'm right beside you hun. Always have been, always will be.'
Eagle spotted us walking over and waved, smiling. 'Hey Viper. What's up Reaps?'
'Hi Steve, it's been a while,' said Valerie with smiles from our parents.
'Hey Val, mum, dad. Umm... we need to talk. Somewhere more quiet.'
Phoenix looked at me worriedly. 'What's up bud? Something wrong?'
Chuckling darkly, I looked at him with a sad smile on my face and tossed the match box to him. 'You have no idea...'"

Excerpt from the battle log of Steven A. Carpenter. Code Named: Reaper.