Paradigm Shift [On-going]

Strange practice

Dean wasn't sure what he was expecting as he arrived at the hospital to meet Dr. Zen, but it certainly wasn't a run-of-the-mill, unremarkable two story, building set amongst a vast area of lawn. The interior of the building was much like the outside and if Dean didn't already know he was going to see a vampire doctor, he would suspect he was at the wrong location. The only thing that stood out to him was that there were no humans inside or outside the hospital. Just vampires. He entered the elevator and pressed the button for the third floor. The elevator dinged and Dean stepped out and made his way over to the reception desk. A beautiful and perfectly flawless woman sat behind the glass-topped desk and she smiled as she saw Dean approach.

"Good morning. How can I help you?"

"I'm here to see Dr. Zen" Dean said with uncertainty. He wasn't sure if the doctor was even expecting him. "My name's Dean Ambrose"

"Ah yes. Dr. Zen is expecting you" the receptionist replied as her eyes quickly scanned the screen of the laptop in front of her. "Take a seat and he'll be ready for you shortly"

As Dean waited to be called in, he took in his surroundings and suddenly realised just how different everything was compared to the last time he'd been in a hospital. His new reality exceeded his expectations, as the sounds he was used to hearing were now replaced by new ones. The diverse and constant beeps of medical devices and ventilators were now absent, as were the creaks and squeaks of a medicine trolley and in its place were familiar yet unexpected noises such as the light clicking of the receptionists fingers as they tapped against the keyboard of her laptop. The thumping of footsteps against the tiled flooring as people walked past, some louder than others depending on how heavy the person was. The unusually faint sound of a clock ticking was now alarming loud as he sat in the waiting room.

"Dean Ambrose"

Dean rose to his feet and made his way towards the doctor, moving faster than he realised as he reached the door in just a few seconds. He walked inside the room and sat down on the chair designated for the patients. Dr. Zen appeared to be in his 50's with long, thin eyes that were the same color as his black hair. Judging by appearance, he'd guess he was of Asian decent and, just like Frederick, he possessed a confidence of someone much older than he appeared to be.

"Frederick called me earlier and filled me in on what has happened so far, but I understand you have some questions for me?" Dr. Zen asked as he sat down opposite Dean.

That was putting it mildly. Dean had so many questions that he didn't know where to start.

"How about we start with what you're worried about?" Dr. Zen suggested as he listened to Dean's thoughts

"Before Frederick transformed me, I was injured. I'd separated my shoulder and had corrective surgery" Dean explained. "As far as my employees know, I'm starting rehab soon. So how do I explain my miraculous recovery?"

Dr. Zen smiled. "Ah, well, that's where I come in. As a doctor I can take over your medical care and your employees will simply think you've switched doctors. They won't realise that anything untoward is happening and your secret will remain safe"

Dean huffed a laugh. "Just like that. No questions asked?"

"Just like that" Dr. Zen confirmed "I'm sure Frederick has already told you this, but vampires look out for one another and with our increased life span we accumulate friends in the right places"

"Sure" Dean replied. "Before I was transformed, I wrestled for a living. Will I even be able to do that, now I'm a vampire?"

"You will" Dr. Zen answered "However, it will take time and some strength training before you can return"

Dean was overwhelmed. He had so much to ask, yet his mind had gone blank. The amount of information he had to take in was dizzying and on top of that, he had to get used to all his senses being heightened. To make matters worse, he felt like an open book. Both Frederick and Dr. Zen could hear his thoughts, yet he couldn't do the same.

"Why can't I hear what you're thinking?" Dean asked.

"Mind reading is a skill that will manifest after the newborn era has ended" Dr. Zen explained. "The first three months after a transformation are essentially a reconstruction period. Your body and organs are all rejuvenating and are setting themselves to stay the way they are for however long you may live. That is why it is so important for you to consume human blood during this time. Human blood helps to give you strength as well as satisfying your thirst"

"I think my number one fear is hurting someone I care about" Dean admitted as he grew more comfortable in the doctor's presence

"That's a prevalent fear and one that every newborn vampire has had at one point" Dr. Zen answered "but ultimately resistance to human blood is something that has to be learnt"

Dr. Zen moved to pick up a leaflet from the display on the wall behind him. He slid the thick leaflet across the table towards Dean. "Give this a read. It's essentially a guide to being a vampire."

Dean picked up the leaflet and quickly flipped through it

"In the meantime, are you happy with being transferred to my care?"

Dean looked at Dr. Zen for a moment, noticing that he had taken no notes. "Yeah, sure. I mean, we gotta stick together, right?"

Dr. Zen nodded as he rose to his feet. "In that case, I look forward to seeing you again." He extended his hand and Dean shook it

Dean made his way towards the door. "Uh thanks...for your time doc"

Dr. Zen smiled. "Remember Dean, it's not a race. Allow yourself time to adjust"

Dean left the hospital feeling a lot more positive about his future. Before he arrived, he thought his wrestling career and his life (as he knew it) were over, but Dr. Zen had put his mind at ease. Dean returned home and settled down on the couch, deciding to read the leaflet Dr. Zen had given him.