See the World (An Easy English Story): Part 4
Neil got rid of HIV! Sam pats his back and gives a thumbs up. Neil’s mask feels hot. He can’t breathe. Everyone in the room says, “You’re amazing!” Neil says, “I didn’t do anything. The computer did all the work. I just pushed the buttons.” But Neil’s boss, Dr. Chen, says, “You’re the smartest doctor in this hospital, Neil. No one else can use the lens.”
The doctors and nurses invite Neil to the bar after work. They want to have a party for Neil and for the lens. “I’m sorry, Leila is staying at my house this weekend. I can’t.” Usually, Neil tells a lie about plans with his daughter because he hates parties. But today it is not a lie.
Neil and Amanda were married for five years, but they got divorced two years ago. Leila was three years old then. Now, Neil spends every weekend with his daughter.
Dr. Chen and the other doctors leave the room. Two nurses begin cleaning the tools. Neil looks down at his patient. He is still wearing the lenses. He sees the dead HIV cells. They are gray and move slowly. Soon they will disappear.
Neil was so nervous about the surgery, and the HIV patterns in the lenses make Neil feel sick. Neil runs to the bathroom. He bends over the toilet. The toilet cleaner smells like oranges.
Sam comes in the bathroom and knocks on the door. “I know that’s you, Neil.” He slides a small metal box under the door. “You forgot to take out the lenses again, huh?”
Neil picks up the box and comes out of the toilet stall. His stomach feels heavy and light at the same time. “I tried LSD in college once. It was terrible. All of the bright colors… It made me sick.” Neil sighs. “Sam, every time I wear the lenses, it feels like LSD.”
Fun for Fluency! 