Troy followed the bright beam and tried not to blink.
‘How long have you been doing this?’ he asked the doctor.
‘You’re my third coming out. I’ve put two under. ’ He lowered the light and smiled at Troy. ‘I’ve only been out myself for a few weeks. I can tell you that the strength will return. ’
Troy nodded. The doctor’s assistant handed him another pill and a cup of water. Troy hesitated. He stared down at the little blue capsule nestled in his palm.
‘A double dose this morning,’ the doctor said, ‘and then you’ll be given one with breakfast and dinner. Please do not skip a treatment. ’
Troy looked up. ‘What happens if I don’t take it?’
The doctor shook his head and frowned, but didn’t say anything.
Troy popped the pill in his mouth and chased it with the water. A bitterness slid dow
