A Mathematician Wardmate

Sunlight filtered through the windows of the ward, casting patches of light on the white hospital bed. Alex Turner sat on the edge of the bed, staring blankly out the window. His mind was still immersed in the mysterious and terrifying world he had experienced, those memories lingering like inescapable shadows.

The door to the ward opened quietly, and Dr. Evelyn Harris walked in, followed by a tall, thin man carrying an old briefcase. Dr. Harris smiled at Alex and said, "Alex, this is Dr. Samuel Reynolds. He'll be your roommate. Samuel is a mathematician who has been admitted here due to work-related stress."

Alex turned his head and sized up the new arrival. Dr. Reynolds looked somewhat haggard, but his eyes sparkled with intelligence and curiosity. He offered a faint smile and extended his hand to Alex. "Hello, Alex. I've heard you've had some very interesting experiences."

Alex hesitated for a moment before shaking his hand. "Hi, I'm Alex," he replied, his voice a bit hoarse.

Dr. Harris continued, "Samuel's case is rather unique. He's been working on some highly complex mathematical theories and recently suffered a breakdown due to overwork. The hospital believes he needs a quiet environment to recover and adjust."

Dr. Reynolds nodded and added, "Yes, my research is indeed intricate. I've been delving into higher-dimensional spaces and topology, attempting to use mathematics to describe and understand complex spatial structures. My colleagues often thought I was mad, but I firmly believed in my theories."

Alex felt a flicker of interest. "Sounds fascinating," he said.

Dr. Harris added, "Samuel needs a peaceful setting to recuperate. Alex, I hope you understand that everyone here has their own treatment plan, and we need to respect each other's space."

Alex nodded, though he didn't quite grasp what Dr. Harris was implying. He decided to confide in Dr. Reynolds, recounting his discovery of the ancient manuscript and his adventures in the other world, including battles with monsters, mysterious rituals, and his encounters with Emily and others. Dr. Reynolds listened intently, nodding occasionally, his eyes filled with interest.

"This sounds like a highly complex mathematical problem," Dr. Reynolds said after a moment of contemplation.

"A mathematical problem?" Alex was puzzled.

"Yes," Dr. Reynolds took out an old notebook from his briefcase, flipped it open to a page filled with equations and diagrams. "The connections between the worlds you mentioned might be explained through topology. Topology studies the properties of space that remain unchanged under continuous deformations, and it might help make sense of the seemingly impossible things you've experienced."

He picked up a pen and drew a circle and a square on a piece of paper. "In topology, these two shapes can be considered equivalent because you can continuously deform one into the other," he explained.

Alex furrowed his brow, trying to understand. "You mean there might be a mathematical connection between those worlds?"

"Exactly," Dr. Reynolds nodded. "Perhaps the other world you experienced isn't entirely separate but connected to ours in some topological sense. It's like a Möbius strip, which has only one surface and one edge, something quite intriguing in topology. Maybe your experiences are like a Möbius strip—seemingly complex but actually continuous."

Alex felt a glimmer of hope. If Dr. Reynolds' theory held up, then his experiences might not be hallucinations but something real. He began to get excited, feeling like he'd finally found a possible explanation.

"May I ask you some questions, Samuel?" Alex inquired.

"Of course," Dr. Reynolds replied with a smile.

"What do you do for a living?" Alex asked.

Dr. Reynolds sighed, a hint of sadness flickering in his eyes. "I teach mathematics at a university, specializing in topology. I've always been fascinated by higher-dimensional spaces and non-Euclidean geometry. My research primarily focuses on using mathematics to describe and understand complex spatial structures."

"Sounds interesting," Alex said.

"It is, but it's also very complex," Dr. Reynolds smiled. "I've been working on a theory, trying to use topology to explain the multidimensional structure of the universe. I've spent a lot of time on it, almost obsessively. My colleagues often thought I was mad, but I believed in my theories."

"How did you end up here?" Alex asked.

Dr. Reynolds' expression darkened. "A few months ago, while working on a particularly complex mathematical model, I suddenly experienced a severe headache. The pain was unlike anything I'd ever felt before, almost unbearable. I tried to keep working, but I found it increasingly difficult to concentrate. Eventually, I had to go to the hospital."

"What did the doctors say?" Alex asked.

"They said I had severe anxiety and depression. They believed the stress from my work had caused my breakdown," Dr. Reynolds shook his head. "I had to take a leave of absence from my job and come here for treatment."

"Sounds tough," Alex said.

"It is, but I also understand that sometimes we need to stop and take care of ourselves," Dr. Reynolds smiled. "However, my passion for mathematics never wavered. I believe mathematics can help us understand many of the world's mysteries."

Alex nodded, feeling a sense of admiration. "I'm glad you're here, Samuel. I think your theories might help me understand my experiences."

"We can explore it together," Dr. Reynolds said. "Perhaps your experiences can provide a new perspective for my research."

Over the next few days, Dr. Reynolds and Alex delved into mathematics and topology. Dr. Reynolds meticulously explained his theories, using charts and equations to help Alex understand. They discussed higher-dimensional spaces, non-Euclidean geometry, and how these theories might explain Alex's experiences.

"We can use a mathematical model to verify this," Dr. Reynolds said. "Perhaps the other world exists in a higher-dimensional space that intersects with ours. We can try to construct a mathematical model to describe this connection."

Alex felt an unprecedented sense of excitement. He began to believe that mathematics might truly help him find answers. However, as they immersed themselves in this new discovery, Dr. Evelyn Harris walked in. Seeing Dr. Reynolds and Alex engaged in an intense discussion, she frowned.

"Alex, what are you doing?" she asked, her tone tinged with concern.

"We're discussing my experiences, Dr. Harris," Alex replied. "Dr. Reynolds thinks my experiences might be explained through topology."

Dr. Harris shook her head. "Alex, your treatment plan is to reflect on the illogical aspects of your hallucinations, not to rationalize them. Dr. Reynolds' theories might only confuse you further."

Dr. Reynolds looked a bit disgruntled. "But Dr. Harris, mathematics is a scientific method that can help us understand complex phenomena. Perhaps there is a mathematical explanation for Alex's experiences."

Dr. Harris sighed. "I understand your point, Dr. Reynolds. However, we mustn't overlook Alex's psychological state. He needs time to come to terms with and understand his experiences, not be bogged down by more theories."

She turned to Alex. "Alex, I know you want answers, but sometimes accepting reality is more important than seeking explanations. We need to take it step by step and not rush things."

Alex felt a pang of disappointment but also understood Dr. Harris' concerns. He nodded. "Alright, Dr. Harris. I'll try to do as you say."

Dr. Harris smiled. "Good. I believe you'll find your answers."

Dr. Reynolds didn't respond, but a hint of reluctance flickered in his eyes. He put away his notebook and placed it back in his briefcase. "Perhaps you're right, Dr. Harris. But I still believe mathematics can offer new perspectives."

Dr. Harris didn't reply, merely patting Alex on the shoulder before leaving the ward.

Over the following days, Dr. Reynolds and Alex continued to discuss mathematics and topology, but Dr. Harris consistently opposed their in-depth exploration. She insisted that Alex focus on his feelings rather than try to explain everything with complex theories.

However, as time passed, Alex found himself increasingly convinced by Dr. Reynolds' explanations. The logic and rigor of mathematics provided him with a clarity he'd never felt before. He began to believe that his experiences might indeed have a mathematical explanation, and that this explanation could help him find inner peace.

One evening, as Alex lay in bed, he closed his eyes, his mind filled with the equations and diagrams Dr. Reynolds had explained. He felt an unprecedented sense of tranquility, as if the complex mathematical symbols and formulas were providing a rational explanation for his experiences.

He opened his eyes to see Dr. Reynolds working at his desk, a faint smile on his face. Alex finally understood that, regardless of what Dr. Harris said, mathematics had opened a new door for him.

"Dr. Reynolds, I think I understand now," Alex said softly.

Dr. Reynolds looked up, a flash of surprise in his eyes. "Understand what?"

"My experiences, the connections between those worlds, they might truly be explained through mathematics. I'm no longer confused," Alex said with a smile.

Dr. Reynolds nodded, his eyes filled with relief. "I'm glad you've found your answers, Alex. That's the power of mathematics—it can help us understand things that seem impossible."

Alex felt an unprecedented sense of relief. He had finally found his answers and was no longer plagued by confusion and fear. He knew that, no matter what Dr. Harris said, mathematics had provided him with a new perspective, allowing him to accept and understand his experiences.

On this quiet night, Alex finally found peace within himself.