The Hug

Looking at our shocked expression, the doctor started laughing and said,

'Just joking. It's the first of April.'

'Huh?'

Who does that? Making such a joke. Had he not been one of the leading practitioners of the country, mum would have left.

'On to a more serious note. You have hyperacidity.'

He tapped his left index finger on his chin and looking at me thoughtfully, he asked,

'Are you stressed about something?'

My first impulse was to say no, but then thought about it carefully and said 'Yes'. My mum then said that I had started a new course at the university and the doctor nodded understandingly. Though it was true that at the beginning I was anxious due to my classes, all this had stopped. What I was stressed about was my relationship with Dave, but I couldn't possibly tell them that,

'I'll prescribe you some medicines. You have to take them for one month. I have to warn you that the dosage is quite strong and there are possible side effects.'

We completed all the formalities and went to the pharmacy to buy the medicines. Reading the information booklet, I was worried as it was written that I would feel nauseous for up to one hour after taking the medicine. I found it strange how a medicine which gave me nausea could help cure my acidity problems.

The next morning, when I took the first tablet, after about thirty minutes I felt lightheaded and I had to sit down. My stomach seemed to be somersaulting inside my body and I preferred to stay home on that day. As it is, Dave wouldn't be coming as he had his driving test. I quickly sent him a 'Good luck' message and went back to sleep. It was a real struggle trying to cope with the medication and I had several naps. Mum was also at my constant beck and call, making sure that I was eating enough. All these factors made that I didn't get to ask Dave what had happened to his test. It's only the next day that I met him in the gym as class had been cancelled for that day.

It felt so nice to see him after so many days. He was sitting on what I like to call our bench, when I reached. He looked at my face which was still pale from the bout of sickness and asked me,

'You're ok?'

'Better.'

'Good.'

'Sorry, I didn't get to ask you about your driving test yesterday. How did it go?'

With regret, he looked at the floor,

'Made a mistake. I failed.'

I could hear the sorrow in his voice and I knew it was because he had had so much hope. I also wished hat maybe it was because he was missing out on the hug.But that was only wishful thinking.

'When will you take the test again?'

'Next week.'

That was great as I had another opportunity to give him a hug, though the truth was that I was taking the hug. I think, that I needed him to pass more than he needed to.