[ WP ] Pain is discovered to be the most efficient form of energy . It is ruled illegal , but secret human pain factories have already begun . You are the owner of one of these factories .

The Propofol dripped like ticks of the clock. Grandpa's face seemed placid in sleep. Mom and I were grateful. Cords snaked out of his frail, weathered body to machines that tethered him to this world or kept him out of another one. 
 
 I gently reminded my mother that she had n't eaten in 7 hours. She seemed relieved that I mentioned it. Not because she was hungry, but because it assuaged her guilt of wanting to leave the room. 
 
 `` Do you want anything, Grace?'' Mom asked as she kissed my forehead. 
 
 `` I'll take a bagel, or something. Take your time.'' I replied as I watched her exhausted feet carry her to the hall. 
 
 I held Grandpa Jim's hand for a long time. It felt different than the hand that taught me how to change a tire, slow dance, and plant tomatoes so they did n't crowd. I heard a knock at the door. Doctor Parsons entered the room followed by an eager-looking resident. He said his name, but I did n't think it was important enough to remember. 
 
 `` How are things going, today?'' Dr. Parsons inquired as he looked up from my Grandfather's chart. 
 
 `` He seems to be the same. Do you think he will wake up soon?'' I asked hopefully. 
 
 `` Your Grandfather suffered a significant stroke. We are keeping him sedated, and the Morphine and Propofol ensure that he is not in any pain whatsoever. The best we can do right now is to keep him comfortable. At least he is n't suffering.'' Dr. Parson monotoned as he scribbled something of questionable consequence on my Grandpa's chart. `` I will be back tomorrow morning to check-in, and in the meantime, Doctor Jenks will be on the floor.'' 
 
 I muttered a half-hearted platitude as the two doctors turned to leave. I saw a concerning look pass between the men. It was n't entirely smug, but nonetheless it was n't a look that I found appropriate. I waited 5 seconds and then I went after the doctors. 
 
 The doctors were easy to follow. They were so concerned with themselves that they hardly noticed a teenaged girl's footsteps. I missed some of their conversation, but I hoped I could learn something from them. 
 
 `` I really liked how you told her that her Grandfather was n't suffering. Really inspired, Sir.'' Dr. Jenks practically beamed. 
 
 `` Easy, Sam. I take no pleasure in what we do here. It's necessary, you see. The families have no idea that their loved ones are n't in comas, and there are so many wires anyway that they hardly notice one more.'' Dr. Parsons carefully explained. 
 
 `` How did you figure out you could plug right into the hypothalamus to extract the energy?'' 
 
 `` Well, after Hillary outlawed pain factories, the private sectors began to seek out'alternative energy sources.' I started experimenting with paralytic drugs, and the rest fell into place. The trick is to inject the Nuromax as soon as possible when a patient comes in with a trauma. Strokes, car accidents, and minor heart attacks are perfect for long term extraction. The body can stabilize itself while being in constant pain.'' 
 
 `` That's brilliant! I'm excited to learn as much as I can about the process. But, how have you managed to avoid any suspicion?'' Dr. Jenks asked with awe. 
 
 `` When was the last time you heard of a hospital running out of power?'' Dr. Parsons replied with a wink. 
 
 
 

