Real.Doc - Part 2 - Joe (English Version)

Agent Thompson

(external narrator)

The afternoon sun filtered through the thin curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. Joe sat on the edge of his seat, his gaze fixed on MaryAnne. The silence between them was thick, almost tangible.

"Are we that alike that it would fool even a mother's heart?" Joe's voice was a mere whisper.

MaryAnne didn't respond. She sighed impatiently, the weight of his words pressing down on her. Joe continued, undeterred.

"You brought me back. Why not bring him back? Adile could find a way."

"And what makes you think we can find her?" MaryAnne's voice was strained, as if the very question exhausted her.

Joe pondered for a moment. "We could ask the boy about Mr. Innis."

MaryAnne's face clouded with sadness. She vented, her frustration spilling over. "Why would you even try... It's probably useless... Why do you care anyway?"

Joe sensed a crack in her defenses. Seizing the opportunity, he leaned forward. "I care because I am not the son. I'm the father."

MaryAnne's resolve shattered. She ran into Joe's arms, startling him. She buried her face in his chest, sobbing like a child. Joe's heart ached with the depth of her sorrow. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly. The more he enveloped her, the more she clung to him, as if she had just discovered something profound.

Rony, hearing the crying, searched the house. He found them in the living room, moved by MaryAnne's state.

Eventually, MaryAnne dozed off, her tears exhausted. Later, during dinner, the conversation resumed.

"How are you feeling, love?" Rony asked gently.

"Better, thank you."

"I don't mean to bring back any of the emotional stuff, but what was the conversation about? I mean, I know who you were talking about, but what about it?"

"Bringing him back," Joe explained. MaryAnne wouldn't have had the strength to reveal it.

"I suppose the first step would be to find Les."

"Story of my life," Joe commented, making Rony laugh.

"Perhaps I could sense him, somehow," MaryAnne said, catching both of their attention. "I need to try. Not sure if I'm capable."

"If you could, it would be something remarkable," Joe agreed.

"Truly," Rony added.

"I should try..." MaryAnne said, rising from the table, leaving her dinner unfinished.

Days later, Joe was surprised to find Les in his room.

"Agent Thompson."

Joe stared, incredulous.

"We are going to try two possibilities," MaryAnne said from the corner of the room. Joe hadn't noticed her there. "First, I'm going to try to transfer his energy to you..."

"This is ludicrous," Les commented.

"If that doesn't work, you kill him."

Joe was astounded by the entire situation. MaryAnne continued, "Ready?"

Joe nodded, but before anything happened, they were all startled by Adile's voice.

"Not like this."

It was as if she had been standing there all along, unnoticed.