It was a dark and stormy night, the perfect night for an accident. That was all I could remember, at least at first. Gradually, I began to remember more details. I had been on my way home from the biotechnology lab. The idea I had been chasing had finally revealed itself to me.

In retrospect, it all seemed so obvious. It had started with DNA analysis of my parents and grandparents. Most of the genes were the same as mine, but there were a few mutations. What was interesting is that the mutations seemed to be the same across the general population. It was only with more DNA analysis of my kids and grandkids that it became clear: One of the genes was mutating as a counter. Each generation caused that gene to count down. It was the “Doomsday Gene”.

Slowly, my memory cleared, and I remembered details of the car crash. Now, I was trapped in a hospital bed, completely paralyzed. If only I could tell someone, perhaps there would be
time to prevent the end of humanity. But, I can’t communicate!