“He’s always got great reception”
BURLINGTON, VT – When little Timmy Richardson was born with two strange antennae-like protrusions on his head, his parents were initially shocked and concerned. But after doctors assured them the appendages were harmless and merely an extremely rare birth defect, Amy and Robert Richardson embraced their son’s unique appearance with open arms.
“At first, we didn’t know what to think,” admits Amy, gazing lovingly at 6-month-old Timmy lying in his crib, antennae twitching slightly. “But the more we looked at him, the more we realized how special he is. Those antennae make him one-of-a-kind!”
Despite reassurances from medical professionals that the antennae are benign, the Richardsons can’t help but speculate about their origins. “Maybe it’s a mutation, or something genetic that’s been dormant in our family lines for generations,” ponders Robert. “But I’ve got to admit, part of me wonders if it’s…extraterrestrial.”
The possibility of alien interference doesn’t seem so far-fetched to the couple, who both profess long-standing interests in UFOs, cryptozoology, and the paranormal. They’ve already started compiling thick dossiers of research on cases of anomalous childbirths and possible genetic tinkering by unknown forces.
“You can’t rule anything out,” Robert says adamantly. “The universe is a weird, weird place. Weirder than any of us can imagine. Who’s to say what Timmy’s real origins are?”
While the Richardsons embrace bizarre theories, mainstream experts remain skeptical. “Congenital craniofacial anomalies like this are extremely rare, but they do happen,” says Dr. Marcus Venters, professor of neonatal health at UVM Medical Center. “Modern ultrasounds detect most defects in utero, but very subtle cases can still slip through. That’s likely what happened here.”
“I understand the parents’ confusion and tendency to ascribe it to the supernatural,” Venters adds. “But a perfectly rational, scientific explanation exists.”
The Richardsons, however, remain unconvinced – and wouldn’t have it any other way. “Timmy’s our little insider,” Amy beams. “A bridge between our world and…something else out there. We’re just happy he’s happy and healthy.”
“And he really does get amazing reception!” Robert quips, ruffling Timmy’s antennae playfully. “Both the extra-dimensional kind and the TV kind.”
The characters and events depicted in this story are entirely fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, or to actual events is unintentional and purely coincidental.
