Richard woke up to find his daughters curled up on each side of the bed, their peaceful sleep reminding him of the times they used to crawl into bed with him and his late wife. He gently covered them up to their shoulders and attempted to discreetly get out of bed. However, his body betrayed him. His muscles ached with every movement, and he felt a profound weakness coursing through him. This physical struggle wasn't simply a result of aging. Prior to the experiment, Richard had been a healthy thirty-six-year-old man. Now, at almost forty-three, he wondered if his illness had already taken its toll on him.
With great effort, Richard tried to stand up, but it took several attempts before he could stabilize himself on his trembling legs. Determined not to give up, he clung to the bed, furniture, and walls as he made his way toward the door. Once outside the room, he continued to rely on the walls for support, walking slowly and cautiously.
