Chapter 5
APARTMENT
Dr. Kayla Johnson, a local pediatrician was looking over Johnny. She was listening to his heart. Johnny was now conscious again and was lying in his bed. Sami was watching from the doorway. Kayla took off her stethoscope.
KAYLA: Okay, Johnny. I want to ask you some questions, okay?
JOHNNY: Okay.
KAYLA: When you were brushing your teeth this afternoon, did you notice anything strange? Any funny smells or flashing lights?
JOHNNY: No.
KAYLA: Do you remember what you were doing before you fainted?
JOHNNY: Yes.
KAYLA: What were you doing?
JOHNNY: I was brushing my teeth and talking to Zane.
KAYLA: Who's Zane?
JOHNNY: He's the little boy who lives in my mouth.
SAMI: Zane is Johnny's imaginary friend.
KAYLA: I see. If you were to open your mouth now, would I be able to see Zane?
JOHNNY: No.
KAYLA: Why not?
JOHNNY: Because when I hide in my mouth, he hides in my stomach.
KAYLA: Does Zane ever tell you to do things?
Johnny thought for a moment.
JOHNNY: I don't wanna talk about Zane anymore,
KAYLA: Okay. That's fine.
Kayla stood up.
KAYLA: Now, Johnny, I want you to do a big favor for me. I'd like you to relax and stay in bed for the rest of the day.
JOHNNY: Do I have to?
KAYLA: Yes. I'd like you, too.
SAMI: We'll be in the other room for a few minutes. I'll come back and check on you in a little bit.
JOHNNY: Okay, mommy.
Sami and Kayla walked into the living room.
SAMI: So, what do you think?
KAYLA: Mrs. DiMera, I don't think you have anything to worry about. These episodes are quite common in children Johnny's age. They only happen once or twice. Often, there's no true reason. They just happen, and then they're done with. I don't think it'll happen again.
Sami sighed.
SAMI: That's a relief.
KAYLA: How long have you been in Chicago?
SAMI: A few months. We're from Maine originally. We left after my husband lost his teaching job.
KAYLA: When did Zane first appear? Was it around the time you moved?
SAMI: Well, I think around the time he started preschool. He always has had trouble making friends. Yes, I think it was around that time he started talking to Zane.
KAYLA: I see. Has Johnny had any injuries?
Sami thought for a moment.
SAMI: Well, there was one. He broke his arm.
KAYLA: How did he manage that?
SAMI: It was just shortly before we moved. My husband had had a long day at work and came home late. He had been drinking a bit. Well, Johnny spilled some of his school papers on the floor. E.J. picked him up to move him out of the way. It's the sort of thing you do a million times. Well, this time, he pulled a little too hard. And, Johnny's arm broke. It was a total accident. Could have happened to anyone.
KAYLA: I see.
SAMI: Something good did come out of it, though. E.J. was so ashamed of himself after that. "Samantha," he said, "I'm never gonna touch another drop of alcohol again. And if I do, you can take Johnny and leave me. And, he hasn't, so I haven't. And, he's been sober now for five months.