CRAVINGS TRIGGERED

Dr. Stephen Jose sat at his desk and stared down at the pages of test results. He periodically made notes with his pen.

Stacey Finley sat across the desk and nervously twisted her wedding ring around her finger. She kept telling herself that she was making the right choice as she anxiously awaited the results.

After about a minute or so, Dr. Jose looked up at the beautiful mother and said,

"Mrs. Finley...I think Alex would be an excellent candidate for the WICK-Tropin program."

"You think so, Doctor?" Stacey smiled and replied.

Dr. Jose returned her smile and replied, "Yes, I do...I really do." Dr. Jose continued, "Your son appears to be quite healthy, and I see no reason why we should not proceed."

Stacey was by choice, a stay-at-home mom, and nothing was more important to her than taking care of her family. In addition to running a hectic household, she also kept busy with other meetings.

Stacey was now forty-three years of age, but no one would know by looking at her. She stood 5' 8" and had long brown hair, hazel eyes, and a voluptuous figure. She credited her youthful looks to a combination of good family genes and daily exercise.

She looked over at her son, Alex, who sat in the chair to her right. She patted his arm and said, "See Honey...finally, some good news!"

Alex smiled and replied, "Yeah...finally!"

Alex had just turned nineteen and was a junior in high school. He was born premature, and during his childhood, he battled severe health issues. Because of that, Alex was absent from school quite a bit and was held back a year. He was in good health now, but the condition had stunted his growth substantially. By appearances, Alex looked more like a twelve-year-old boy instead of a young adult.

Alex had inherited his mom's brown hair and hazel eyes, and he was a handsome lad, but his slight build and stature greatly affected his self-confidence. The endocrinologist who treated Alex had tried conventional growth hormones in the past, but they had little to no effect, and this left the Stacey very frustrated. Since then, they have been searching for alternatives.

Several months went by until one day, she heard about Dr. Michael Jose. He worked previously with the Center for disease control and prevention. His experimental research with glandular and hormonal abnormalities was well respected.

However, he was considered sort of a maverick. He had a reputation for bending the rules and, at times, breaking them.

Stacey reached over and squeezed her son's hand and asked Dr. Jose, "So...what's the next step?"

Dr. Jose sat back in his large leather chair and removed his reading glasses, "Well...if you agree to the treatment, we can begin right away."

"We will start with a series of WICK-Tropin injections twice a week for four weeks. This will help kick-start the effects. After that, we will change over to a pill version for the next three to six months."

"And how safe is this...WICK-Tropin?" Stacey asked with a terrified tone.

Dr. Jose smiled at the concerned mother,

"Well, Mrs. Stacey. I fully understand your reservations. As anyone in my field can tell you, nothing is 100% guaranteed, and this is, after all, an experimental drug."

Dr. Jose stood up and walked around to the front of his desk.

"However, with that being the case, what I can guarantee is this, we will make it our top priority to do everything possible to help your son along with keeping him safe."

Stacey quietly thought as she pondered the doctor's words. Alex leaned over towards his mom and said, "Mom? What do you think?"

Stacey looked back to Dr. Jose, "What will be our financial responsibilities?"

"Ah! The financial burden, you ask?" Dr. Jose turned back to his desk and picked up a small stack of papers then handed them to Alex, "Here is the agreement for your review."

Stacey took the papers and began to read.

"We have a group of private investors that are financing the experiment." Jose added before she could finish reading.

Stacey looked up at Dr. Grant, "Private investors?"

"Yes...it is quite common for research of this type. With that being the case, your responsibility will be zero."

Stacey biting her bottom lip continued to read. It all looked legit, but she still felt a little guilty going behind her husband's back.

"Please, Mom...I want to try this!" Alex voiced out.

Stacey looked into her son's pleading eyes and asked, "Are you sure, Honey?"

"Yes, ma'am, I'm sure." Alex nodded.

Stacey looked up at Dr. Jose and sighed, "Well, Doctor, where do we sign?"