“What kind of pattern?” Finn asked, settling into the chair across from her desk while River took detailed notes.
“Complex neurological phenomena that don't fit standard diagnostic categories. Episodes involving apparent access to information or skills that the conscious mind hasn't acquired through normal learning processes.” Dr. Voss opened a thick file and pulled out several research papers. “I've documented similar cases in other patients—young adults who develop sudden expertise during altered consciousness states.”
River leaned forward with obvious scientific interest. “How many similar cases have you documented?”
“Twelve, over the past eight years. All involving individuals between the ages of twenty-five and thirty-five, all presenting with memory gaps and episodes of confusion, all demonstrating knowledge during episodes that they don't possess when fully conscious.”
Finn felt his heart rate accelerate. “And you have theories about what causes this?”
“Several theories, though nothing definitive yet. Some cases seem connected to emotional trauma or significant life changes. Others appear linked to specific geographical locations or family histories.” Dr. Voss studied Finn's face with clinical attention. “Have you noticed any patterns in when your episodes occur? Specific triggers or circumstances that seem to precipitate them?”
“Emotional stress, sometimes. Being near the ocean.” Finn glanced at River uncertainly. “Strong feelings, whether positive or negative.”
“Interesting. And the knowledge you demonstrate during episodes—does it relate to any particular field or area of expertise?”
“Marine biology, mostly. Underwater research techniques, diving protocols, ecosystem restoration.” Finn felt heat rise in his cheeks. “Things that connect to River's work, even though I've never studied them formally.”
Dr. Voss made notes with obvious interest, her attention shifting between Finn and River in ways that felt calculating rather than purely medical. “Mr. Hayes, you're a marine biologist, correct? Have you noticed correlations between your research activities and Mr. Torres's episodes?”
“Some,” River admitted reluctantly. “Finn has demonstrated knowledge of my specific research projects during episodes, including details he shouldn't know.”
“Fascinating. This suggests a level of cognitive connection that exceeds normal information sharing between partners.” Dr. Voss gathered her notes with obvious satisfaction. “I'd like to conduct some specialized testing to understand your brain's unique processing patterns, Mr. Torres. Nothing invasive, just some neuroimaging and cognitive assessments.”
The offer felt like a lifeline thrown to someone drowning in confusion and fear. After months of doctors dismissing his symptoms as stress, here was someone who not only understood what he was experiencing but believed it could be studied and potentially managed.
“What would that involve?” Finn asked, torn between desperate hope and growing unease about Dr. Voss's particular interest in his case.
“Standard neurological imaging, some specialized memory tests, possibly some experimental approaches to help you gain more conscious awareness during episodes.” Dr. Voss stood and moved to her bookshelf, pulling out a journal article. “I've been developing therapeutic techniques specifically for cases like yours.”
She handed Finn the paper—a research study on “Anomalous Memory Access in Young Adults with Neurological Episodes.” Reading the abstract, Finn felt his breath catch as he recognized symptoms and experiences that matched his own almost exactly.
“Other people are experiencing this?” he asked, scanning the case studies described in the research.
“More than you might expect. Though most cases are misdiagnosed as stress-related disorders or early-onset dementia.” Dr. Voss returned to her seat with obvious enthusiasm for her subject. “I believe we're looking at a distinct neurological phenomenon that mainstream medicine hasn't recognized yet.”
River examined the research paper with obvious skepticism. “These are pretty extraordinary claims. Have these findings been peer-reviewed?”
“Some aspects, yes. Others are still in the preliminary research phase.” Dr. Voss's expression suggested she was accustomed to skepticism from the medical establishment. “Which is why I'm particularly interested in documenting Mr. Torres's case thoroughly.”
Finn looked between Dr. Voss and River, seeing hope and caution warring in equal measure. “If I agree to participate in your research, what exactly would that involve?”
“Regular monitoring of your episodes, some experimental therapeutic approaches, comprehensive documentation of your case for the research literature.” Dr. Voss's smile carried satisfaction that felt slightly unsettling. “I think you'll find that understanding your condition changes everything about how you experience it.”
They left the appointment with plans for follow-up testing and a thick packet of research materials to review. Finn felt hope mixing with apprehension in his chest—finally, someone who might be able to explain what was happening to his mind,who might be able to help him regain some control over his own consciousness.
But River's expression remained troubled during the drive home, his scientific skepticism clearly activated by Dr. Voss's research claims and immediate interest in Finn's case.
“What are you thinking?” Finn asked as they crossed the bridge back into Beacon Point.
“I'm thinking her research is intriguing, but I want to verify her credentials and look into her published work before we commit to anything experimental,” River said carefully. “Some of her claims about memory access and cognitive connections sound more like parapsychology than neuroscience.”
“But she's the first doctor who's taken my symptoms seriously. The first person who thinks this might be treatable.”
“I know. And I want to explore every possibility that might help you.” River reached across to take Finn's hand. “I just want to make sure we approach this carefully.”
As evening light slanted through Beacon Point and the lighthouse beam prepared for another night of steady rotation, Finn realized he was standing at a crossroads that would determine everything about his future. Trust Dr. Voss and her experimental research, risking unknown consequences for the possibility of understanding and control. Or continue living with episodes that were becoming more severe and frequent, watching his grip on reality erode gradually.
Either choice carried enormous risks. But for the first time since his symptoms had started, Finn felt like he had options beyond slow deterioration and growing confusion.
