The doctor looked at George askance before he looked at the old man again. He smiled broadly at him to make him feel free with him and he smiled back. George was confused by their rapport and felt like a liar.

“What is the matter with you?” He asked jovially.

“I have been bedridden for some years. I can't walk, hear, or talk.”

“You cannot hear or talk? But you can hear me and you are talking to me.”

“I did that for the first time a few hours ago.”

The doctor showed surprise ...