For Science, You Monster

Last Goodbyes

[This chapter is pretty short, I know I'm sorry, but it's pretty dramatic. And I'm like 99% sure the next one will be pretty long so. I just like to end dramatically ok? Also I was trying to add some music but it's being a bitch and I wanna go to bed. So just look up a void by Johnny Ripper on YouTube. Anyway, enjoy, after 1821693176728396293 centuries of hiatus]

It's been weeks sense Doug told me of Cave's secret plans. Doug and I have become closer, much closer than I'd like to admit. We eat lunch together almost every day, and I can't help but notice how much happier I am around him. Cave's condition gets worse and worse and in turn I've become quieter and more secluded. I never talk to Cave more than formally now, especially as the baby grows. It's quiet obvious that I'm pregnant so I avoid as much as possible, but not only for that reason. The more time goes on, the worse he gets, the more strained hate fills his voice. It's as if he doesn't feel that
people are doing enough to save him. It couldn't make me more sad to hear him like this, but it also scares me because I know what he'll do to get what he wants. Now, however, I am racing to his side.
I rush down the hall way to the private nurses office. "Miss Caroline, please report the the infirmary as soon as possible." To hear something like that over the loudspeaker was very worrying. Usually for something important they would simply find me and tell me in person. My breath comes in short puffs as I reach the door. I try the door but it's locked; thankfully someone hears me and lets me in.
"It's Mr. Johnson, ma'm. He wants to speak with you," the doctor explains as he leads me down another short hall. My heart is stuck in my throat as I am sure of what I will see when he opens the door.
Cave lays on a bed, a sickly pale grey.
"Hello Caroline." He says weakly.
"Cave!" I'm at his bedside in a flash, my previous worries of his behavior being replaced quickly with worries of his worsening condition.
I see that the determination in his eyes was barely there, and I now I know that the fight in him was finally leaving.
"Oh Cave..." I murmured as I took one of his cold hands in my own.
"Caroline... I just wanted to tell you... I'm s- I regret not speaking to you lately."
He'd almost said it. I'm sorry. I know how hard it is for him. He won't apologize for anything. But he was close and that means the world to me.
"I.. Love you Caroline." A tear escapes my eye. I suddenly want to tell him everything. I want to tell him about my worries, talk about what will happen, tell him about Doug and I... Tell him about the baby.
"And you love science just as much as I do," he continues.
"Almost," I giggle. "Cave I-"
"Then I know you'll understand why I have to do this," a few men in lab coats enter. " Miss Caroline."
Of course he is still being secretive. I glance at them, wishing they'd leave.
"Mr. Joh-"
"I know I should've told you this before but, I wanted it to be a surprise because it was meant for me. I know you'll be just as good though."
Oh no.
"We're plugging you in Caroline! You're going to live forever! You're going to run aperture, forever."
"No.. Mr. Johnson. No, I don't want this."
I stand up but one of the men grab my arm. He starts to pull me away.
"Mr. Johnson I don't want this!"
Cave leaned back and closed his eyes, smiling slightly. He hasn't changed at all. I thought I had felt the last bit of good in him but I was wrong. It really was gone. His twisted mind still thinks this is the best option, and his twisted followers...
" Please, Mr. Johnson!" Tears stream down my face.
As I am slowly dragged from the room, he whispers, "Goodbye, Caroline." The machines around him begin a cacophony of beeps and alarms, and I know he is gone.