"I can't believe it was a TV show, it all seemed so real," protested Manion.
Dr. Packer gently explained, "George, we still don't know exactly what the brain is capable of in a coma. What we do know as fact is that you were clinically dead approximately three minutes after a head trauma in April 1960, and that since then you've been in this bed. As far as the fixation with that particular television show,who knows, the attendant said he watched it regularly. It is possible your subconscious picked up on it, and when you add in the uncanny resemblance you have to the actor who plays the professor, that could lead to your brain creating a fantasy world where you had very little cares."
Manion laughed, "Maybe I could be a stunt double for this Professor character."
Dr. Packer laughed, "Keep thinking that, you have a lot of physical therapy ahead of you."
Over the next few weeks, Manion went through physical and psychological therapy to prepare himself for a return to academia. He also regularly watched Gilligan's Island. The weeks turned into months, and he was disappointed in the summer of 1967 to learn the show would not be renewed. There is enough seriousness in the world, protestor, war, a little silliness was a nice relief.
Finally, after over
more than four months, George Manion was preparing to leave. He had
become a bit of a celebrity patient, and he had less than half a week
left to join the
"real world." He couldn't wait to get
back to teaching and research.
Doctor Packer entered the room and said, "George, we have a special visitor."
In walked a very familiar brunette. George said, "Mary Ann…"
Dr. Packer looked concerned, and the attractive brunette looked stunned. The dark haired beauty quickly gained composure and laughed.
"I've been called Mary Ann much more than my actual name. I'm Dawn Wells. And I'll probably be calling you Professor… you luck so much like Russ," the actress said.
Manion said, "I'm honored you decided to visit Miss Wells. I'm a big fan, and you may call me whatever you wish."
Dawn laughed, "I was in the area to speak at my alma mater, and when I heard about the professor who was in a coma for seven years, but still managed to catch the show… I just had to stop in and say hi."
Manion replied, "Well I'm very glad you did."
Dawn added, "I'm leaving you an autographed photo, plus my agent's card. If you're ever in Hollywood, give a call. I might be able to introduce you to other cast members."
Manion smiled, "Thank you very much."
After Dawn and the doctor left, the orderly smiled at Manion and said, "I read in the tabloids that she's single again."
Manion smiled back, and thought, maybe a couple weeks on the beaches in Los Angeles before classes start might be a good idea.
Three days later, Manion was on his way out. He picked up his personal effects to change into the suit that had been in hospital storage for seven years. While changing, he noticed a couple of odd things. His grandfather's watch was beat up, as if it went 10 rounds with Cassius Clay, and a game of laser tag with Gort from The Day the Earth Stood Still, When he opened the watch, the bypass wires inside looked like a plate of spaghetti. Most puzzling was when he put on his shoes. They were full of beach sand. Not playground sand, the pristine white sand you would find on a tropical island.
Narrator: Professor George Manion learned the line between reality and fantasy is a very thin one. A lesson that can be found on the syllabus of a course that we like to call THE TWILIGHT ZONE!
