Venny's Assistant

12

"So five years ago, we came up with a revolutionary idea," Jeff started.

"It was gonna blow minds," Mutt agreed.

"It was going to cure back pain forever," Jeff continued.

"We were going to fix one of the biggest human faults ever," Mutt explained.

"We decided that if we put a metal rod down the spine, people would be forced to stand straight, causing muscles to not be able to strain," Jeff went on.

"It was genius,"

"Foolproof,"

"But we needed a subject to test on," Mutt sighed.

"And although we knew it couldn't fail-,"

"We couldn't risk a law suite,"

"So we paid our subject six million pounds," Jeff explained.

"But she wanted more, just if there was a risk," Mutt added.

"So we gave her ten, and she agreed,"

"So we had the surgery carried out on her,"

"And it failed. The metal bent," Jeff said quietly.

"We really fucked up," Mutt nodded.

"We gave her another seven million, as a deal to not take us to court, and she agreed,"

"But overtime the rod in her back curved more, and pulled her spine with it. Giving her severe scoliosis," Mutt stated.

"And we'll never forgive ourselves," Jeff whispered, as a tear rolled down his face.

"And she'll never forgive us," Mutt added.

Surely they weren't talking about Ms Venable... right?

"I've tried," Ms Venable sobbed.

"We don't deserve it!" They said in unison.

"I took the offer didn't I?" She fought back.

"But we told you that you would be fine,"

They were right. It was their fault.

"So why don't you just take the metal out?" I asked.

"My spine would collapse," she sniffed, wiping her tears.

"Well... well I don't think it defines you," I said gently, taking her hands.

"But..."

"But nothing. I love you and I don't care what you look like, because that will never change,"

"You love me?" She frowned, tears collecting in her eyes again.

"Yes," I smiled and then she kissed me.

"I love you too," she giggled, pulling back.

"I don't actually know your name yet," I laughed.

"Wilhelmina," she smiled.

"That's complicated. I'm just gonna call you Mina," I laughed.

"Mina's fine," she grinned, before kissing me again.