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005, the pollywog
"THE CASE OF PHINEAS GAGE is one of the great medical curiosities of all time," Mr. Clarke enthusiastically taught, though Jessie's mind was elsewhere.
She couldn't stop thinking about what Lucas had told her and Max about Will's disappearance. The words 'Zombie Boy' kept echoing around her mind, and as much as she wanted to she couldn't drag her eyes from the back of Will's head.
No wonder he seemed so secluded, scared of the world around him. Not only had he faced being lost and alone for over a week, but he was now facing the consequences through Hawkins' judgemental community. It made Jessie feel physically nauseous.
"Phineas was a railroad worker in 1848 who had a nightmarish accident. A large iron rod was driven completely through his head."It was those words that led her eyes back to the front of the room, observing the projection Mr. Clarke was displaying.
"Phineas miraculously survived. He seemed fine. And physically, yes, he was. But his injury resulted in a complete change to his personality."
Jessie found herself entranced by the bizarre story, her eyes glistening with the light reflected from the projection. "So much so that friends that knew him started referring to him as 'No Longer Gage."
The girl felt her foot tap slightly, anticipation building. Though, anticipation for what? She wasn't too sure herself. Her hands gripped the wood desk in front of her firmly, her lips parted slightly in awe. "At the time, this was known as the American Crowbar Case. Although it wasn't a—"
Jessie flinched harshly at the abrupt bursting of the door, Dustin's body lumbering in. His cheeks were red and strained as he panted.
"I am so sorry, Mr. Clarke," he apologized out of breath.
"Really, I'm so sorry. Please continue with the class. don't mind me. Really, continue, please. Thanks." The Mayfield girl furrowed her eyes from her seat, wishing she were closer to the front so she could question the curly-haired boy's odd behavior.
Mr. Clarke picked up from where he was rudely interrupted, but Jessie's overwhelming interest had quickly moved from the front of the class to Dustin's harsh whispering to his close-knit group of friends. He soon turned to her and Max's desks, loudly whispering in their direction, though she was certain everyone could hear.
