The Bleebs

He had the "Bleebs". He thought it was a funny word, until the doctor explained what it was.

'Where did it come from, doc?" he said, his mouth suddenly quite dry.

"India, at first, we think." said the doctor, quietly, seriously.

"And the prognosis?"

"I'm sorry to say, but...the Bleebs..."

"Give it to me straight, doc."

"The Bleebs are fatal."

"How much time do I have?"

"Seconds -- hours, weeks, even years. There is no way of telling. But you have it. The Bleebs."

In the hallway, he could distinctly hear some kind of medical equipment, probably in another room, beeping softly, constantly, maddeningly...until it was shut off.