This is Your Heart; This is Your Heart on Drugs. Any Questions?

Dad was one of the first to try this range of drugs. It was an accident, of course. Lot's of world changing discoveries are, aren't they?

He tells the story often, how he missed lectures because he was stuck floating on the ceiling in his dorm.

His face softens when he tells it, there's a grin there trying to break free. It was a funny memory. But his eyes darken, too. This moment was the end of one part of his life, and the start of another.



It could've gone one of two ways. Either it could have been deemed too experimental, too risky, and shut down. Or dollar signs could have kerchinged in certain people's eyes, and the new drug marketed as recreational.

They always kerching.

The abilities manifested differently for other people. One guy became invisible for a few hours. Another got superhuman strength. One of the girls in his Economics class tried it, and she lost all capability to feel pain for several weeks. Another didn't think anything had happened at all, but it had increased her concentration. She passed every exam with almost 100%. It was deemed cheating, and all those achievements were stripped away.

What no one realised at the time was that the drugs were addictive, and almost everyone who tried them went back to get a second dose. Almost everyone who went back became addicted long term.

The other thing no one realised was that they caused mutations over time, and these were passed down to the next generation. I should've had an older brother. He was born without bones. He didn't live long.

So when dad tells the story with mixed feelings, I hear it in just the same way. He scratches at the flakes on his skin, and I put my heavy hand over his frail one.

"Dad," I tell him. "Don't."

I try not to feel angry about what he did, what he consigned me to. He made the choice years before I was even conceived. It's not fair to blame him.

But that's just it. It's not fair.

The stone has reached my elbow now. How long will it take to reach my heart?

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Word count: (excluding author's note): 366

Submitted on: 20th May at 22.35

*Quick Author's Note*

First, and most importantly: thank you so much for reading my story! The ha'penny that Vocal will toss in my hat for your eyeballs landing on this humble piece will be well-spent. Might have a go at that stick market thing. "The Fluffy Poodle of Wall Street".

If you enjoyed this one, the very best compliment you can give me is to share it, or read another!

A Year of Stories: I'm writing a story every day this year. This one continues my 141 day streak since 1st January!

Please do consider lending your support to the other creators who are also on this madcap "a story every day" adventure. They are putting out excellent content every day!

Rachel Deeming

Gerard DiLeo

Leave a comment: Please do leave me a comment. It makes it easier for me to reciprocate the read.

The story behind the story: This sort of follows on from a previous story, which is here:

Thank you

Thank you again, most especially if you are one of the wonderful people who has been staunchly reading these daily scribbles since the start of the year. I see you, and appreciate you very much indeed! 😁

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