Ralphie stared at the grotesque creature before them, his heart pounding in his chest. Sally’s words hung in the air like a lead weight.

“Who do you think it is?” Ralphie asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Sally swallowed hard, her knuckles white in the grip of her gun. “I think... I think it might be Jerry.”

Ralphie’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Jerry? But how—”

“I wish no harm,” the creature—Jerry—repeated, its hollow voice reverberating through Ralphie’s bones. “Please... let me explain.”

Ralphie exchanged a wary glance with Sally. Her expression was guarded, but she slightly nodded, indicating they should hear Jerry out.

“Who are you?” he asked, his tone cautious. “Where are you from?”

Jerry’s featureless head cocked to the side as if considering the questions. When he spoke, his voice carried a mournful tone that sent a chill down Ralphie’s spine.

“My life was... good. Until my father was killed, and I was left for dead.” Jerry paused, and Ralphie could have sworn he saw a flicker of emotion in those hollow eye sockets. “I awoke to find my body... changed. Morphed into this grotesque form. I aged many physical years in mere months.”

Ralphie’s breath caught in his throat as realization dawned. This creature, this abomination, was once a child—a human child like himself. He couldn’t begin to fathom the horrors Jerry must have endured.

“Can you... can you reverse this?” he asked, his voice thick with emotion. “Is there a way to undo what’s been done to you?”

Jerry’s head dipped in a slow nod. “Yes... there is one who may be able to help. A doctor in Boston. Dr. Clemment. But I need your assistance to reach him.”

Ralphie glanced at Sally, who wore a pensive expression. After a moment, she spoke up.

“We were headed to the airport,” she said, her tone measured. “If you can guarantee our safe passage, we’ll take you to Boston.”

Jerry seemed to consider her words, his featureless head swiveling between them. Finally, he gave a jerky nod.

“Agreed. I will not harm you if you aid me in this quest.”

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Moments later, they walked toward the western horizon, Jerry’s inhuman form lumbering alongside them. Ralphie couldn’t shake the sense of unease that crept up his spine, but he pushed it down. If there was a chance, however slim, that they could help restore Jerry to his former self, he had to try.

The journey to the airport was tense, with Jerry’s presence casting a pall over the group. Ralphie found himself stealing furtive glances at the creature, his mind struggling to reconcile the grotesque visage of the child Jerry must have once been.

As they neared their destination, Sally’s pace quickened, her eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of the airfield. Ralphie matched her stride, his grip tightening on his rifle.

At last, the airport came into view, a sprawling expanse of cracked tarmac and dilapidated hangars. Sally made a beeline for one of the more significant buildings, her steps purposeful.

“This is where I was hoping to find the parts I need,” she called over her shoulder. “Stay sharp, just in case.”

Ralphie nodded, his gaze sweeping the area for any potential threats. Jerry shambled behind them like an overgrown sloth, his movements eerily silent despite his size.

Sally disappeared into the hangar, leaving Ralphie and Jerry alone. An uncomfortable silence stretched between them, broken only by the occasional creak of metal or the distant call of some unseen creature.

“What happened to you?” Ralphie asked.

Jerry turned his hollow gaze towards him, and Ralphie suppressed a shudder.

“Experiments,” Jerry rasped. “Twisted, cruel experiments. My father wanted to create the perfect soldier, immune to pain, fear, and the ravages of time itself.”

Ralphie’s stomach churned at the implications. To subject a child to such horrors was unthinkable, a violation of the most fundamental tenets of humanity.

“Your father?”

Jerry hung his head low. “I know he loved me. He tried his best, but I was the one who failed him.

“I’m sorry,” he said, the words feeling woefully inadequate. “No one should have to go through that.”

Jerry made a sound that might have been a mirthless chuckle. “Your sympathy is... appreciated. But it cannot undo what has been done. Only Dr. Clemment may hold the key to reversing this madness.”

Before Ralphie could respond, Sally emerged from the hangar, her expression grim.

“I can’t find the parts I need for the helicopter,” she said, her voice tinged with frustration. “But there’s a small plane, a two-seater. I think I can get it airworthy.”

Ralphie felt a flicker of hope at her words. If they could get the plane in the air, they could return to Nigel.

“What about...?” He trailed off, glancing at Jerry’s towering form.

Sally followed his gaze, her brow furrowing. “We’ll have to figure something else out for him. The plane’s too small.”

Jerry let out a low, keening wail that set Ralphie’s teeth on edge. “You cannot leave me behind,” he said, his voice taking on a dangerous edge. “I must reach Dr. Clemment, no matter the cost.”

Ralphie exchanged a wary look with Sally. The last thing they needed was for Jerry to turn hostile, not with his inhuman strength and abilities.

“We’ll find a way,” Ralphie said, hoping to placate the creature. “But we need to get this plane ready first. Can you give us some time?”

Jerry seemed to consider his words, those hollow eye sockets boring into Ralphie’s soul. Finally, he gave a jerky nod.

“Very well. But do not tarry. My patience has its limits.”

We are in trouble if we can’t take him with us.