Tales With a Twist

Twilight of Youth

It would take not more that six weeks, just six weeks from this insufferably hot September afternoon on Miami Beach in 1972 for Alan Eisenberg, a self-absorbed twenty-eight year old stockbroker and connoisseur of expensive automobiles, to evolve into an elderly man of eighty.  As his white Corvette swept through Ocean Drive and its art deco district, he was just forty minutes away from hearing the chilling pronouncement from his startled physician.

As the tropical breeze caressed his face, he observed the elderly landscape; faceless specters sitting on porches, some walking with food carts on the sidewalk, still others ensconced on park benches engaged in conversation.  Alan had always been intolerant of the elderly: their behavior, appearance, attitudes; in short, he found their entire culture repulsive and alien.

His stunned physician appeared pale and troubled as he presented the results of extensive blood work.  His eyes appeared barren, almost soulless, as he attempted to explain the bizarre results to Alan.  His normal professional demeanor and self-assured manner appeared short-circuited.  He appeared shaken, bewildered.

The diagnosis seemed surreal.  True, Alan had recently experienced some weakness and nausea; nonetheless, nothing prepared him for the doctor's words.  His physician examined the data on his charts and he scanned Alan's face for any reaction.

“Come on, Doc. This sounds too much like science fiction, “Alan volunteered.”

Alan, have you heard of Progeria?”

“Pro-what?”

“Progeria. It's a congenital abnormality that leads to premature and rapid aging in children.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Alan asked.

“Progeria is the closest frame of reference we have to you illness.. .”

“Iilness?”

“Like I said,” the doctor continued, “Progeria is the closest to your illness.  However, unlike Progeria, which is genetic, you've contracted a virus that has invaded your system and is attacking the very essence of your cellular structure.  In short, your cells and your internal organs are rapidly aging.  There simply is no precedence in medical science.”

Alan stared intensely at the doctor, desperately probing for any sign of reassurance.

“Come on Doc.  This is crap.  I played almost two hours of racquetball last week and I barely worked up a sweat.  And you're telling me what?  That my whole insides are rapidly aging. Phil, give me a break.”