Myst teaser

As if it'll really tease anyone. Unpolished excerpt from my doomed MichaelTurnerdreamlike story.

“Thank you.”
I came to on the lab table, tubes wired to me, ones that were attached to random machines I never thought to ask about.
I realised I could speak as soon as I heard my voice, “For what?”
“You saved my life.” He stopped there, then probably persuaded by my confused expression continued on, “You took the lchip out of me. It was killing me at a very rapid pace, so if you hadn’t done that, I would be dead right now…so thank you.”
“Oh, well, um, you’re welcome I suppose. So why do I have more tubes in me right now than any person under 80 should ever have?”
He stood tinkering with some contraption at his work table. He then turned to look at me, taking off his glasses and rubbing his eyes. He looked as tired and worn as I felt. Whatever this was it certainly was no great shakes.
“Well, there was a bit of a complication…one that I hadn’t counted on. Now, don’t be afraid.” His eyes grew fearful and he started toward me, inching slowly with his hand outstretched, reaching for my own.
“You know me better than that, Lex. Just say it.” I was in no mood for games. My body felt sore, like there was a great pressure on my bones, the kind braces exert on teeth. I tried not to move much, but that seemed to make it worse, so I just sat up.
“Mercedes, I don’t know how you’re alive…you’re supposed to be dead.”