ARE YOU SURE ABOUT THIS?!

The Experiment

(An alternate universe) (Sheldon:15)

Things changed.

Paige's mother forced her to go to East Texas Tech and made her realize it was for her own good if she studied even if she knew everything.

The summer of Sheldon Cooper's fifteenth year was marked by a whirlwind of scientific ambition. Accepted into a prestigious internship at East Texas Tech, Sheldon had thrown himself into his work with unparalleled zeal. His project—quantum field manipulation—was both complex and risky, but Sheldon thrived in the high-tech environment of the lab, surrounded by sophisticated equipment and glowing screens.

In the lab, Sheldon was in his element. Hours blurred together as he meticulously adjusted the settings on a large piece of machinery, his concentration absolute. The room was filled with the steady hum of equipment and the occasional beep from monitors, creating a backdrop for Sheldon's intense focus.

"Just a few more adjustments," Sheldon muttered to himself, eyes fixed on the data streaming across his screen. "This could be the breakthrough I've been waiting for."

Back at the Cooper household in Medford, the absence of Sheldon was palpable. Mary Cooper went about her evening routine, preparing dinner and managing the household. George Cooper sat in the living room, half-heartedly watching a baseball game. Missy Cooper, Sheldon's twin sister, was sprawled on the couch with a look of exasperation.

"I can't believe Sheldon's out there playing scientist while we're stuck here," Missy said with a dismissive wave. "Seriously, how much fun can you have with gadgets and equations?"

Mary glanced over with a mixture of concern and amusement. "Sheldon's work is important to him, Missy."

Missy rolled her eyes dramatically. "Yeah, well, he's not exactly making it easy to miss him. It's like he's allergic to having a normal conversation. I mean, he's always been weird, but this is next level."

George nodded in agreement, though he was more concerned. "I just hope he's not pushing himself too hard. Those experiments can be dangerous."

The evening took a sudden turn when the TV news flashed an urgent alert. The screen was filled with a breaking news update.

"We're receiving reports of an explosion at East Texas Tech," the newscaster said, her voice laced with concern. "Emergency services are on the scene. Details are still emerging."

Mary's face drained of color as she stared at the TV. "East Texas Tech... that's where Sheldon is!"

George's expression mirrored Mary's panic. "We need to find out what's happening. Call the lab!"

Mary grabbed the phone, but the lines were busy. Her anxiety grew as she repeatedly tried to get through. "George, we can't reach them. What if something's happened to Sheldon?"

George placed a reassuring hand on Mary's shoulder. "We need to stay calm. They'll update us soon."

Missy, who had been making sarcastic comments about Sheldon's obsessive behavior, now looked unusually serious. "What if he's actually hurt? I mean, he's always been a pain, but I didn't think he'd get himself blown up or anything."

Mary's eyes filled with tears as she tried to stay calm. "We need to go to the hospital."

George grabbed his keys. "Let's go. We need to be there for him."

The drive to the hospital was tense. Mary's occasional sobs and George's attempts to comfort her were punctuated by Missy's quiet, worried silence in the back seat. Her usual mocking tone was replaced by genuine concern.

When they arrived at the hospital, a nurse guided them to the waiting room. The minutes seemed endless as they waited for news. Mary paced, wringing her hands, while George tried to offer comfort. Missy sat in a corner, her face a mix of frustration and worry.

Dr. Harmon finally entered the waiting room, his expression serious but not unkind. "Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Cooper, Miss Cooper—Sheldon is stable, but he has sustained injuries. He's unconscious right now, and we need to run further tests to assess the extent of the damage."

Mary's eyes filled with tears. "Can we see him?"

Dr. Harmon nodded. "You can see him now, but he's unconscious. We'll keep you updated as we learn more."

The Cooper family was led to Sheldon's room. Seeing Sheldon lying in the hospital bed, connected to various monitors and IVs, was a stark contrast to the image of the energetic teenager they were used to. His physical appearance was impeccable as always he looked handsome. Mary sat beside him, holding his hand gently. "Sheldon, please wake up. We need you."

George stood by the window, feeling a mix of guilt and concern. "I should have been more cautious."

Missy, standing beside her mother, looked at Sheldon with a mixture of annoyance and unease. "Even if he's always been weird and annoying, I didn't expect him to get hurt like this. I hope he wakes up soon so he can get back to being his usual irritating self."

As the night dragged on, the Cooper family confronted the harsh reality of their situation. Sheldon's future was uncertain, and the incident had cast a shadow over their lives. Each family member grappled with their own fears and regrets, setting the stage for the profound changes to come.