"Everything looks normal," Dr. Jameson had said, "Nothing out of the ordinary and nothing to be concerned about."

"Are you sure?" I asked, feeling like she was hiding something.

"Absolutely," she said quickly closing my folder making sure I didn't see anything.

I gently nodded allowing her to exit the exam room. After she'd gone, I took off the hospital gown and put my own clothes back on. I walked out of the hospital that day slightly uneasy but this was a doctor I had known my whole life and completely trusted. She wouldn't lie to me. I hope.

Later that month, my symptoms returned. The nausea, inability to eat, insomnia, paranoia, and shakes. I wanted to go back to Dr. Jameson but with her dismissal of my symptoms last time, I decided on a second opinion.

I scheduled a visit to see another doctor but he told me the same thing. He told me there was nothing wrong with me. No tumors. No abnormal brain waves. Nothing. He also wouldn't allow me to see any of the images or test results.

A few days later, I found a study that proved I wasn't crazy. They proved I was dying. They told me it was cancer. They also said I had a dormant gene. One they could try and activate that might cure me of all my ailments.

The last time I talked to the doctors at the study was a few days ago. I'd asked them to let me think on it and make up my mind. I don't want to die but I don't know what activating this gene will do. My hands are shaking but I take a steadying breath as I dial the number of Dr. Matheson, the lead doctor from the study.

"Hello?" Her voice echoes across the line.

"Dr. Matheson, this is Parker Drake. I came in a few days ago and you gave me a cancer diagnosis," I say between shaky breaths.

"Yes, Parker. How are you?"

"I'm struggling, Doctor."

"Does this mean you've made a decision about joining the study?"

"I don't want to die. I also don't know what activating this gene will do but if I get to live, I'm willing to take that risk."

"Parker, that's wonderful to hear. It really is but I need a definite yes or no before I can bring you in to sign consent forms."

"Yes. I want to join the study," I state.

We discuss a few more details before hanging up.

The next day, I go into the study, sign consent forms, and get settled in. Dr. Matheson walks me through the procedure making sure I know I can opt out at any point right up until they send me into the activation tank. I make the decision to never back out and to see this through.

After undergoing the procedure, I find myself waking up on a hospital gurney. I'm still drowsy and slightly out of it due to the anesthesia.

"You're awake," Dr. Matheson says as she checks my vitals.

"How'd everything go?" I ask.

"It went just as expected. All of your scans look normal."

"You aren't lying to me are you?"

"No, I'm not lying," she chuckles.

"You are leaving something out though. Aren't you?" I ask, seeing the hesitation on her face.

"There was a side effect from activating that particular dormant gene. You, um, you now have what some would call superpowers."

"What?"

"You heal faster now. Faster than normal. It's only been 30 minutes since you came out of the activator. Most don't wake up for several hours."

"Is that it?"

"Maybe. We don't know."

I nod my head trying to understand. My fear and anxiety washes over me as I try to come to terms with my new abilities.

Soon, I notice others around me starting to panic and become afraid, even Dr. Matheson. I calm myself down watching as my emotions effect those around me and everyone else calms down as well.

"I think there was another side effect," I say, looking up at Dr. Matheson.

"I think you're right," she chuckles, taking note of the effect my emotions have on those around me.

In the following days, I've completely healed from the effects of the procedure. I've also taken it upon myself to use my emotional manipulation to help others, even discreetly. Because this is my superpower and I am The Jokester.