Cody's parents arrived shortly after the detective left. His mother fussed over him incessantly and several times just embraced him and cried. His father was a bit more composed but even he had tears in his eyes as shook Cody's hand.

"We're going to have you come home when you get out of the hospital," his mother explained, as she fluffed his pillow for the ninth or tenth time. "You'll be able to recuperate at home."

"Mom, I really don't think that's necessary. I can't afford the time from school."

"Jerome, will you tell him that such talk is nonsense. He needs time to rest and heal."

"Cody, your mother is making sense. At least move home with us. You can commute to school until the end of the semester." Cody had always found his father to be the voice of reason though he didn't like the idea of riding buses. It certainly would make it more difficult to have Lisa over, even if she really had forgiven him.

"I'll think about it, Dad, but I'm not going to make any promises."

A gentle knock on the door stopped any further discussion of the matter. Lisa's pretty face peered around the door and she smiled when she saw Cody was awake. "Hi, Mr. and Mrs. MacPherson. I heard that Cody was awake but I can come back later."

Before Cody could protest, his father said, "Nonsense, we were just getting ready to leave. Come along, Edith, let's leave the youngsters alone. We'll talk to you soon, Cody. Remember what we said." His mother seemed reluctant to leave but with some gentle coaxing they left the room.

"I'm sorry, Lisa. I was a jerk and I hurt you."

Lisa put her finger to Cody's lips. "At least you're still here to say you're sorry. I'm so glad you're alright."

"Me too." Cody smiled as she reached behind him and tried to fluff his pillow.

"Visiting hours are almost over but I just wanted to see you."

"Thanks for the rose. It was nice to know you brought it in."

"Well, you might be a jerk sometimes but you're my favourite jerk. I'd hate to lose you. Is there anything you need from your room? Do you have your key? I can go by tonight and bring it in tomorrow after my morning psychology class."

"My key is in my room unfortunately."

"Now, isn't that a novel place for it to be. You'd think you would learn your lesson after a while."

"I know. I'll call them tomorrow and tell them you'll be over to get into my room. I need the basics, like toothpaste and my shaver."

"Okay." Lisa became very serious and almost whispered, "Cody, I'm sorry about Dr. Johansen. I know how much he meant to you. If there's anything I can do to help you get through this, just ask me."

"Thanks, I'm gonna need all the help I can get."

A pair of nurses entered the room and indicated that visiting hours had ended. Lisa kissed Cody's cheek and waved goodbye. "I'll see you tomorrow."

After the nurses finished all their tasks, Cody tried to get to sleep. He was happy that Lisa was still willing to be his girlfriend. He decided it made sense to move in with his parents for a little while, though it would only be a temporary thing. He'd have to wait to get some answers about the real cause of the fire, and his own unexplainable experiences.

He slept well and woke up feeling much better. The fever was still there but when the doctor came around again, he gave Cody permission to go home if he wanted. Cody called the dormitory office and arranged for Lisa to bring him some clothes as well as the other things he'd requested.

He looked forward to an opportunity to do some investigation of his own into the incident at the lab and the inexplicable changes in his body. He was sure that the fever was somehow related to what he'd gone through. Most of all, he was pretty sure, his life would never be the same again.