I knocked on the door, I hated being back here, probably just to be told about some more inconclusive tests. The door opened and I was greeted by the concerned face of Dr. Fulk, my heart specialist.

“Paul, how are you today? In you come.”

“I’m good.” I hated smalltalk from doctors. He wouldn’t ask me here unless something important had happened. “What did you want to see me about?”

“Well, it’s just I did something I wouldn’t normally do, but, a few weeks ago I posted information about your condition in a forum.” He saw the protest begin to form on my lips. “Anonymously of course, and a forum used mostly by doctors.”

“And?”

“Well, someone said he had a similar patient. I posted a recording of your heartbeat, he said it was very similar. There’s now 12 others we’ve found like you.”

I knew there was something he didn’t want to tell me. “And?”

“There’s also a theory someone’s come up with, about why your heartbeat’s so irregular.” He paused and his eyes finally met mine. “They think it’s a countdown Paul.”