The scientist of the group of close-knit friends, the one they all considered the most insane, approached Caleb, who was now a shell of his former self.
"You want the pain to be gone, right?" The scientist asked in a solemn voice.
The others felt that he was, as usual, being insensitive and felt like stopping him, but they were unable to move. It was either out of fear or trust.
Caleb, in a weak and hoarse voice, replied,
"Of course, I just want it to stop. I can't handle it anymore."
The scientist looked at Caleb with compassion, something that was rare for those who worked with him to see.
"I will give you power and temporary solace from your grief," the scientist said.
"What you do with the power means nothing to me."
The scientist, who was known for his unconventional methods and eccentric behavior, had promised Caleb a new life free from pain and suffering. This offer of a new life, a chance at unfathomable strength, and temporary relief from his grief were irresistible to Caleb's broken soul. He offered him and the rest of the group, the chance to obtain immense strength and power through a mysterious process in his secret laboratory.
"You can all have this power if you want, exclusive to friends and family," the scientist said almost jokingly.
The group, adults by now, agreed to undergo the procedure. Despite their initial scepticism, they were eager for a chance at a new and exciting life.
They each got into their cars, dragging Caleb into one of them, and followed the scientist to a bright white mansion. As they entered the mansion, the scientist pulled a bookshelf, revealing a secret opening.
"What a cliché," the group of friends said unanimously with laughter as they stepped down into the basement.
"Welcome to my lab," the scientist shouted, with the echoes reverberating around the large, futuristic basement.
In the basement, there was a row of pods. One for each of them. They were each placed in a pod and subjected to a powerful cleansing and nutrient surge that left them unconscious. When Caleb awoke, he discovered that he had lost all of his memories, but the others still retained theirs. It was soon revealed that the scientist had granted Caleb temporary relief from his grief by taking away his memories, leaving him with a blank slate. The others, however, still had to shoulder the burdens of their pasts.