He woke with a rush of apprehension. Today would be his last in this failing body. His sleep had been troubled. Due, in most part to his weakening bladder. The pain in his, irreparably, dragon- torn leg had survived many attempts at regen. The warden had pushed the boundaries of his science to get him to this point. There was no more Godfrey could endure. It was time to leave this raddled form and transfer his being...his soul into a new body.

After a few attempts to roll towards the grab bar, he managed to hoist himself to a sitting position. The personal server bot had picked out his clothes for the day and was ready to fetch, carry or perform any suitable action that Godfrey may need. Dressing slowly, he began to imagine what it would be like to be normal again. Without all this hullabaloo. The thought kept him going. At the end of the day, he rarely had to look at his face and if it changed he would be almost none the wiser. The face that looked back at him out of the mirror may take some getting used to. It was his friends that he felt for. How would they react to a 'new Godfrey'? It was time to grab some breakfast and put some redundant eggs benedict into his soon to be discarded broken shell. He would in a strange way miss using his mind-scooter. It had become a familiar and trusted friend.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

At breakfast, Waldorf, as usual, made light of the enormity of the day.

"I am going to miss you, old-timer. Could you pick a body that doesn't fart and belch quite as much this time. Sometimes the smell is quite disconcerting."

Beneath the humour, Godfrey could sense his friends' discomfort. He could see him looking out of the corner of his eyes. Wondering what it would be like to spend time with an unfamiliar face looking back. He would just have to get used to it. It was for the best. It was not as if he was ever going to die or anything, just change, and be able-bodied.

Godfrey finished his toast. Waldorf had sensed the gravity of the moment and kept any other jolly japes to himself.

Godfreys server-bot drifted noiselessly into the dining room. It stopped at his feet. Waiting patiently.

"It is time," Godfrey said.

"Would you like me to be there for you old-timer?"

"Yes. I would appreciate that very much. Thank you." Dread stung his eyes.