The white walls of the doctor’s office seemed to press in on Alister as he listened, his heart felt heavy in his chest. The doctor, a woman with tired eyes behind her glasses, spoke in a calm tone, her words echoing in the silence.
“Mr Hazenworth, Miyu’s condition has unfortunately taken a significant downturn. The Aethelric Dust impurities in her bloodstream are a byproduct of the decay process. These dust particles are clogging her bloodstream, hindering vital flow and potentially causing obstructions in vital organs. With the way things are going I’d say he has two months at best.”
Miyu suffered from Aethelric Decay, a rare and aggressive disease that attacks the lungs. Due to the long time she and Alister spent living beyond the walls, they had inhaled all sorts of harmful particles in the unhealthy air. Inhaling the polluted air should have caused them to die ages ago, and this was what led to the rapid deterioration of Miyu’s lungs.
If it were that simple, a healer would have been able to cure her. However, the particles they inhaled were mostly the remains of monsters and dangerous chemicals, all mingled with the potent mana present in the air. The process of healing, which focuses on closing wounds, is naturally insufficient in this case, as it cannot expel toxins or purge mana from the body. So, this renders traditional healing methods ineffective, given the complex mixture of magical and toxic elements deteriorating her body.
Alister stared at the doctor, his mind numb.
‘Two months? It’s way too soon.’
“There’s… there’s still no cure?” His voice came out a hoarse whisper.
The doctor shook her head sadly. “Unfortunately, no, and research is still ongoing. We haven’t yet developed a successful treatment plan. Not that you would be able to afford it.”
Alister’s despair and anger could be felt in his voice as he spoke. “So, what are you telling me? You’re just letting her… suffer because I haven’t paid the growing mountain of bills?”
The doctor flinched, her voice sounding defensive. “Mr. Hazenworth, please understand that we’re doing everything in our power to keep your sister comfortable.”
“The cost of keeping her alive like this will be high, although we have some experimental procedures that should slow down the rate of the deterioration. However, we do not run a charity organization here. If you at least want to give her some more time, some hope, if I may be so bold, I must ask that you settle your earlier debts with us.”
Alister slammed his hand on the desk, the sudden noise shattering the silence. “Hope? You call this… this nightmare… hope? My sister is dying, and all you offer are expensive procedures with no guarantee of success?”
Shame flickered in the doctor’s eyes. “Sir, I know this is incredibly difficult, but-”
“Difficult?” Alister cut her off, his voice cracking with emotion. “Difficult doesn’t even begin to describe it, she is in pain, she’s suffering! I’ll do anything, anything at all to save her!” Fury caused Alister to grit his teeth intensely. He reached into the folds of his worn cloak, his fingers brushing against a familiar object. With a cold look in his eyes, he yanked out a gleaming Union Credit Card.
“Here.”
He said, flinging the card across the desk. It skidded across the polished surface.
“Swipe it. Everything I owe, and a little extra is all in there. Apparently, reliable healthcare in this city is a luxury I can’t afford. Seems I’ll have to rely on myself to save her in the end.”
His voice was filled with cynicism. The doctor flinched, feeling uneasy as he gazed at her behind his shoulders, his eyes glowing slightly.
“Consider this a down payment. I’ll find a way to save my sister, even if it means venturing into the wastelands and hunting down whatever legend or mythical cure you haven’t bothered to research.”
He didn’t wait for a reply, the air was filled with his unspoken challenge. With a final, withering glare, Alister spun on his heel and stormed out of the office. The doctor watched him go, a look of guilt mingled with a touch of respect in her eyes. Perhaps, just perhaps, the boy had the fire in him to defy the cruel hand of fate.
The doctor let out a sigh in the silent office. “Kids these days are so hot-headed. I’d love to see how exactly he plans to find a cure himself.”
…
Alister walked down the dimly lit hallway back to Miyu’s room, his footsteps echoing off the sterile floors. He passed some nurses who muttered among themselves as they saw him.
“I heard a rumor he’s a summoner.”
“Another rumor says he summoned a massive dragon.”
“That must be a fabricated lie. If he were so strong, why is he struggling to pay the bills?”
Alister clenched his fists but kept walking. Arriving at Miyu’s door, he paused for a moment before opening it and stepping inside. The room was bathed in soft, late afternoon light, and Miyu was awake, staring out the window with a distant look in her eyes. She turned her head slowly as he entered, offering him a faint, weary smile. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓
“So, what’s the word from doc?” Miyu asked.
Alister managed a smile. “Just peachy. She said you’ll get better in no time. Just a few weeks and-”
“Liar.”
Miyu interrupted, her eyes narrowing.
“You are such a bad liar, Alister. You know, when you lie,”
She pointed at him.
“your left hand tends to twitch.”
Alister paused, then glanced at his hand, noticing it was still. “Wait, really?”
Seeing his confusion, Miyu burst into laughter.
“You are so gullible.”
Alister looked irritated. “That’s no way to act, Miyu. Why would you lie like that?”
Miyu’s laughter faded, and she said, “If you weren’t lying, you wouldn’t have bothered to
check, oh self-proclaimed genius.”
Alister sighed. “That’s no way to talk to your older brother.”
Miyu laughed softly, but her face soon turned serious.
“You don’t have to lie to try and make me feel better. I know my body better than anyone. I’m getting weaker.”